Celtic thought they were set to sail off into the distance with a £40million Champions League bonus for winning the Premiership title - but might the Yellow Submarine be set to torpedo those dreams?
Villareal’s shock emergence as potential kings of Europe after dumping out Bayern Munich to claim a place in the last four is now putting Parkhead hopes of a group stage slot under serious threat.
Should the La Liga outfit go all the way, Unai Emery’s men could snatch away automatic qualification from the team crowned Scotland’s champions.
Mind you, the whole thing could well be avoided if UEFA's ban on Russian teams is upheld into next season.
But that didn't stop Rangers fan Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, who couldn’t hide his excitement over the unexpected turn of events.
He said: “What a kick in the haw-maws for Celtic and their fans it would be if Villarreal claim the Champions League group stage slot.
“To Rangers fans, that would be poetic justice given it has been our side who have been the better European team, carrying the flag for Scotland.”
Stefan Lomako, Whithorn, added: “Rangers, Celtic and Villareal are involved in serious chess games which could completely alter their European qualification expectations so nothing is certain at this stage. I for one will be counting no chickens whatsoever.”
Celtic fan Mark Skinner emailed in: “I used to have a wee soft spot for Villareal after they way their fans greeted us when we went over there in 2003 and 2008 but I’m afraid to say I’ll be supporting Liverpool in their semi-final.”
The Hoops still have work to do to claim their title, even if they are six ahead with five games to play.
And Mark McBrearty, Dumbarton, is getting jittery, saying: “I really hope the season doesn’t go down to the last day. Scott McDonald’s goals for Motherwell still feel raw in my heart after all those years. I never cheered any of his goals in the Hoops because of that dreadful day - it still turns my stomach!”
Paul McArdle, Gourock, added: “ Rangers fans mocking Celtic for getting beat in the Conference League off Bodo when we have beaten Rangers home and away and are on the cusp of a fifth treble in six years is like a homeless guy chapping your door to tell you your curtains are minging!”
Bluenose Ross Abraham, Dumbarton, said: “As a Council employee I’m normally looking forward to a nice bank holiday weekend but not for me. I’m dreading coming back to work on Tuesday with our season over. Lose to Celtic on Sunday and they’ll win a Treble. Gio has to go if this happens.”
Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, called to say: “Rangers’ squad needs a lot of work. Filip Helander has missed most of the season and is now out again while John Souttar will no doubt keep him company in the treatment room next term. Connor Goldson looks like he wants to go and Leon Balogun at nearly 34 is prone to lapses. The back four needs bolstering now.”
Meanwhile, the bickering over the post-split fixtures continues on.
Kenneth Houston said: “We have someone complaining that Celtic will have a free week before the Rangers game on May 1, but Rangers will be playing a European match three days before "if" they get past Braga. It wasn't long ago that the Rangers fans were laughing about Celtic not playing any midweek games!
“But I do agree that the Celtic v Rangers should have been the first match played after the split. The shopkeepers, business owners and decent people living around Celtic Park will be scared about how the fans from BOTH sides will react, especially if the match decides the league winner.”
Graham Roberts, Edinburgh, added: “I had to chuckle at Kenny Wilson's comments about moving the Old Firm fixture as he claims Rangers fans can't handle Celtic's success.
“He must be suffering from amnesia as the only reason it can't be a title decider is because Celtic fans threw their coins at Hugh Dallas when Gers were strolling to a title win at Parkhead a few years back.”
Jim Taylor, West Yorkshire, was last up to say: “So the spilt is supposed to give Scottish football a sense of drama at the end the season, with teams fighting to avoid relegation and others challenging for a European place.
“Well someone forgot to tell Sky! It’s only Celtic and Rangers for their coverage. Come back BT Sports for true fan-based interest.”
