Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton was left stunned by Celtic 's shock Europa League exit to Copenhagen.
But the 57-year-old admits taking no joy in the defeat to Copenhagen as he lamented a missed opportunity to seal a major Champions League boost.
Had Neil Lennon's side progressed to the last 16, Scotland would have secured a guaranteed second qualifying place in UEFA's flagship competition from 2021/22.
The incentive is still very much within grasp but there's lingering threat the nation could be sent tumbling down the coefficient rankings by Switzerland and Greece.
Warburton revealed his surprise at the 3-1 loss but joked the result will have left one half of Glasgow beaming.
Asked if it was a shock, the now QPR manager told Sky Sports : "I would have to say yes. My loyalties lie on the blue side of the town but for Scottish football there is a chance to get two clubs into the Champions League which, for the domestic game in Scotland, would be outstanding.
"So that would be a very big opportunity missed so I'm very surprised at home, at a packed Parkhead, that result has come but I think there will be one side of Glasgow that's very happy."
There was no such split in his feelings for Rangers ' exploits in Braga.
Warburton was thrilled to see Steven Gerrard 's side dispatch the Portuguese outfit and book their place in Friday's last 16 draw.
He said: "It was a great result for Steve and his team. Braga are a top team. The first half of the home leg at Ibrox I thought they could have run away with it.
"They moved the ball very quickly and with great cleverness. So they found themselves 2-0 down and then - what a response!
"They went to Braga and gave a great performance and got a great result to give the club a real lift so Steven will be delighted but Europe is a big chance for them."
Warburton knows more than most, however, that Rangers won't be allowed to devote their full attention to European matters.
He added: "They can't focus on it more because they will always have to focus on the Old Firm.
"At the moment it's 12 points of a gap but they play Celtic twice and if it goes their way...
"In the previous games against Celtic they were superb so I hope they can recapture that form.
"They appear to have suffered from the winter break but last night's performance shows you the quality is there."
