Hearts will return to the Champions League qualifiers for the first time in two decades, a milestone sealed by Celtic's victory over Rangers in Sunday's Old Firm derby. The result ensured that Derek McInnes' side cannot finish lower than second in the Scottish Premiership, punching their ticket to Europe's elite competition.
Celtic's 3-1 win at Ibrox not only kept their own title hopes alive but also condemned Rangers to third place, splitting the Glasgow giants for the first time since Aberdeen achieved the feat in consecutive seasons in 2016-17 and 2017-18. For Hearts, it marks a remarkable rise under McInnes, who took over a club that had flirted with relegation and transformed them into title contenders.
The last time Hearts appeared in the Champions League qualifiers was after the 2005-06 season, when they finished second to Celtic. They overcame Bosnian side Siroki Brijeg in the second qualifying round before falling to AEK Athens in the next stage. Now, they will enter the second qualifying round, needing to navigate three ties to reach the league phase. The Scottish champions, by contrast, start in the play-off round—the stage where Celtic were eliminated by Kazakh side Kairat Almaty this season.
But Hearts are not content with merely qualifying. They have a genuine shot at the league title, a prize they have not won since 1960. With two games remaining, they trail Celtic by three points but hold a game in hand. A home victory against Falkirk on Wednesday would level the points, and avoiding defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday would guarantee the title—unless Celtic slip up at Motherwell in midweek. The scenario is tantalizingly simple: win both matches and the trophy returns to Tynecastle.
The implications are enormous for Scottish football. A Hearts title would break the duopoly of the Old Firm and inject new excitement into the league. For Rangers, the picture is less rosy. Barring a Scottish Cup final upset—where Celtic face Dunfermline Athletic—Rangers will enter the Conference League qualifiers. Should Celtic win the cup, Rangers would move up to the Europa League preliminary rounds, a modest consolation for a club accustomed to Champions League football.
McInnes, who previously led Aberdeen to back-to-back second-place finishes, understands the weight of the moment. "It's a credit to the players and staff," he said after Sunday's results were confirmed. "We've worked hard to put ourselves in this position. But the work is not done yet." The coming week will define whether Hearts can complete a fairytale season or settle for a memorable return to the Champions League stage.
For neutrals, the Scottish Premiership finale offers drama that few expected. The title race, the battle for European places, and the historical significance of Hearts' resurgence have captivated fans. With every match carrying knockout implications, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.