Celtic will be hoping to make a triumphant return to the Champions League when they welcome Real Madrid to Parkhead. As far as games go, this is as big as any for the Hoops. Not only are they making their return to Europe’s elite competition after several years but they are also playing the 14-time champions. Expect the stadium to be rocking on the night.
Celtic might be the underdogs going into the game but at the same time, they are no strangers to causing an upset or two in the Champions League. In 2012, they had gotten the better of a Barcelona side that consisted of all-time greats like Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Could they beat their eternal rivals a decade later?
It remains to be seen. We have not seen Celtic play at this level for years now and as a result, in many ways, it feels like a jump into the unknown. The Hoops have been handed a major injury boost going into the game though.
Kyogo picked up an injury and was forced off the pitch against the Rangers last weekend but he seems to have recovered and is available for the game against Real Madrid. As reported by BBC, Ange Postecoglou said:
"“He trained this morning and looked OK.“He’s available. I make the decision whether he’ll play or not, but in terms of him training and doing everything in training, he was fine.”"
Postecoglou confirms massive Celtic boost for Real Madrid game
It goes without saying that Kyogo being available is a massive boost for Celtic. He is arguably the club’s best player and their biggest threat going forward.
His incredible combination of pace, positioning, movement and finishing could potentially give the Real Madrid defence worries, if he does end up playing.
It must also be pointed out that while Real Madrid have a solid defence, they are susceptible to moments when they lose their concentration. This has seen them concede in every La Liga game this season till now and that is something Celtic will need to capitalise on.