Celtic will be making their long awaited return to the bright lights of the Champions League, when they take on a certain Real Madrid. Los Blancos have won the competition a record fourteen times, twice as many as any other team in history and are also the current holders. Thus, it is safe to say that they will be the heavy favourites walking into Parkhead.
At the same time though, it would be a mistake for any team to count Celtic out, especially in front of what is sure to be an electric Parkhead crowd.
10 years ago, Celtic beat a Barcelona side that consisted of all-time legends like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and more. Could the Hoops repeat the heroics a decade later, this time against their eternal rivals?
In that game against Barcelona, Neil Lennon was the manager of Celtic. And this time around, it looks like he had some friendly advice for current boss, Ange Postecoglou. As reported by the Daily Record, the Northern Irishman told talkSPORT:
"“I just sent him a message before the weekend, wishing him all the best and to enjoy it. It’s a huge week for Celtic, beating Rangers and then having this huge game coming.“It doesn’t get much better than that, for a Celtic manager or player. You want to enjoy it but you also want to compete and give your team the best opportunity and preparation.“They could get something out of the game in the form they’re in, it could be important to get a goal before the hour mark because they’ll put so much into the first 45 minutes.”"
Lennon texted Postecoglou as Celtic head into match against Real Madrid
While Lennon’s run as Celtic manager might not have ended as he would have hoped or expected, there is no denying the wealth of experience that the Northern Irishman has both playing for and managing the club.
This will be Postecoglou’s first time managing in the Champions League and what an occasion to say the very least. In front of a capacity Parkhead crowd and against arguably the biggest team in the world in Real Madrid.
It will certainly be an occasion to remember if Celtic can take anything out of this game. Of course, Real Madrid have the better team but the Hoops are no strangers when it comes to causing upsets in Europe. And their style of football could give a few problems to Los Blancos, who have conceded in every game this season.