RANGERS were agonisingly close to lifting the Europa League trophy last night. 

With all the glory that comes with that triumph, there is also the mega riches which are provided by automatic Champions League qualification.

Eintracht Frankfurt have bagged that tasty bonus after their penalty shoot-out win in Seville.

They will enter next season's top UEFA competition from Pot 1 of the group stages.

However, while it won't be much consolation at the moment, Rangers still do have the opportunity to qualify for the Champions League next term.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side will enter at the third qualifying round during the summer, as the Ibrox club aims to secure that sweet £40million.

Some more positive news for Rangers it that because of their European exploits this season, they could be seeded for the qualification stages - which could of course significantly boost their chances of reaching the groups.

If that does turn out to be the case, it will keep them away from fellow strong sides in the shape of Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv.

Not every league across Europe has been finalised yet. But from the current standings, the teams they could potentially face in the third qualifying round are: 

PSV Eindhoven

Marseille

Strum Graz

Union Saint-Gilloise

FC Midjytlland

APOEL Nicosia

Fenerbahce

Should Rangers make it through this round, then they will face a play-off match over two legs for a straight shoot-out to make it into the groups.

If van Bronckhorst & Co. manage that, Rangers could even be ranked above Celtic in the Champions League proper. 

This is due to Rangers' superior European club ranking currently, which stands at 50.25 to 33.00.