The game between Celtic and Real Madrid is quite a difficult one to predict. We all know what Carlo Ancelotti’s side will bring to the fold. But what will the Hoops look like? They are coming into the game high on confidence, after winning 4-0 on the weekend against the Rangers. At the same time though, they have not played in the Champions League in quite some time and as a result, it does feel like a jump into the unknown.
Are Celtic at the level where they can compete with Real Madrid? Well, it is not long before we will find out the answer to that question.
The Hoops do play a style of football under the management of Ange Postecoglou though that could give a few worries to Real Madrid. But then, it is a high risk, high reward situation, as that also leaves them in danger of being left open at the back and conceding a number of goals against the European champions.
Perhaps that is what makes this game so interesting. Chris Sutton though believes that Celtic are capable of pulling a rabbit out of their magic hat and scripting a famous win. He wrote in his column in the Daily Record:
"Real might be better than Celtic, but they can’t coast. They can’t turn up and stroll around. Celtic will outrun them, I’m sure.If Postecoglou’s team gets it wrong, they could be open to being picked off at will. If they get it right, however, they can engineer a famous win.It’s high risk for ultimate reward. And it’s going to be an incredible watch."
Sutton makes bold Celtic vs Real Madrid prediction
If Celtic are to win a game against a team like Real Madrid, they will have to win the small battles all over the pitch.
Their defence will have to hold up against players like Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior. Their midfield will have to deal with the likes of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Toni Kroos and others. And their attack will have to find a way to get past stars the calibre of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Thibaut Courtois and others.
Let’s see if Celtic are capable of pulling off another famous win under the bright lights at Parkhead.