Celtic will face Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the Champions League group game on Wednesday night (25 October) at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers has a poor record in Europe, and he will be looking to get a positive result at home. The Bhoys lost the previous Champions League game 2-1 at home, but they need a strong performance here.
The doubleheader against the Rojiblancos could prove to be the toughest test for Celtic and they have to get something from this game if they are aiming to reach the next stage. Keith Jackson of the Daily Record feels that a point won’t be a disaster, but a home win is “not an impossibility”.
The journalist is backing the Hoops (printed edition, page 49) to pick up a 2-1 “memorable” win at Celtic Park.
“With zero from six Group E points it feels like an unfortunate time to be going into a double-header against the strongest team in the section,” he wrote for the Daily Record.
“But even so, if Celtic are to have any chance of playing in Europe post-Christmas they’ll have to take something from Atletico’s visit.
“A point wouldn’t be a disaster but a home win, although unlikely, is not an impossibility. Brendan Rodgers is now fully reconnecting with this team and that momentum might make for a memorable night.”
Cracking atmosphere
While Celtic are once again dominating the Scottish Premier League, they will have to do better in Europe. Otherwise, the Bhoys will be stuck in the same doldrum.
Celtic Park can produce an electrifying atmosphere, and these are the games where they need their fans to be on top of their voice.
Ahead of the game, Rodgers has challenged his players to step up and prove that they are capable of competing against strong teams.
Atletico, as we all know, are defensively very strong, and it won’t be easy to keep the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and others in check. However, at home, with fans behind, Celtic are capable of raising their game. They have to take their chances and stay compact throughout the game.
