Does Celtic Have the Magic of Paradise in Them Once More?
A 7-0 thrashing from Barcelona in the Group C Champions League opener is no doubt fresh on the mind of the players and coaching staff ahead of Barca’s trip to Paradise on Wednesday night.
However, as the two clash for the second time the stakes are a bit different. For Barcelona, a win puts them in firm control over their chances of getting out of the group. For Celtic, a win means a slim chance at getting out of the group stage still exists.
With the Bhoys sitting on two points and in last place by two points, a win is the only thing that saves their chances. Borussia Monchengladbach stands in third place and that means moving on to the Europa League, a competition that could provide Celtic wit incentive to compete at the highest levels possible.
“A German Team,” as they have dubbed themselves, take on Manchester City and depending on the result there it could be all over for the Hoops’ chances at further European competition. However, should City take all three points or earn a draw, the chances of advancement for Celtic certainly open up.
Of course, that requires Celtic to take down one of the top teams in the world.
A tall task indeed, but one the Bhoys are more than willing to take on — especially because of that 7-0 embarrassment to open Champions League play.
How do Celtic pull off the upset of a lifetime and save any chances of Champions League glory then? According to Brendan Rodgers it is all about the change in mentality for his squad.
“The players have shown from that game that they’ve changed. It will be tough for us, of course, against a top-class team with arguably the best front three you could say has played for Barcelona, but I would hope it would be a different performance from us.”
More from The Celtic Bhoys
- Celtic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord game
- Celtic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare Rangers
- Brendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic player
- BBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero Kyogo
- Kyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters
Barcelona’s front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are incredible, but there are issues for one part of that. We’re talking about Neymar’s pending case . Oh, and don’t forget that Messi is coming off an injury and likely isn’t fully fit.
Of course, that is what Barcelona have going against them.
What about the things that Celtic have going for them? First off, the atmosphere at Celtic Park is something few teams in world football can equal on a European night. Magical things have happened in front of the supporters inside Paradise, and Barcelona have felt that magic before.
That magic took place earlier in this competition, as Celtic tied previously unbeatable Manchester City 3-3 in front of a raucous Celtic fanbase.
Then there is Celtic’s increasing confidence despite some injuries to key players like left back Kieran Tierney and striker Leigh Griffiths, who are both out for this contest. Scott Brown has a renewed confidence in the middle of the park and Craig Gordon is as in-form as he has ever been for the Bhoys.
It is going to take Brown’s best effort to muck things up in the middle of the pitch and Gordon’s best effort to keep Barca off the scoreboard.
Celtic is also going to need the Moussa Dembele of September to show up, after all he’s paced this team with three goals in four Champions League matches.
Point being, getting three points will take a miracle, but finding a way to get a point is something that could put this side in prime position to make things really interesting in the toughest group of this year’s Champions League.
Let’s just see if things are going to be a lot different from the 7-0 start to UCL play or something similar.