Celtic got themselves a 4-1 win over Hearts away at Tynecastle Park at the weekend to get ready for their midweek test in the Champions League. The Hoops will be welcoming Atletico Madrid to Parkhead. Diego Simeone’s side have been in fantastic form coming into the game and might very well be the toughest opposition that Brendan Rodgers’ team face this season.
Atletico Madrid have won six games on the trot. That run includes wins over teams like Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Feyenoord. If they win their game in hand, they will go top of the La Liga table.
On the other hand, Celtic have been in great form in the league as well. But they are winless in the Champions League so far, having lost to both Feyenoord and Lazio. And they pretty much have to take something from the two matches against Atletico Madrid if they are to have any hope of not finishing bottom of their group.
Simeone does not seem to be taking Celtic lightly though, despite Atletico Madrid being overwhelming favourites going into the game. As reported by The Herald, he said:
"“We are now thinking about Celtic. We expect a very difficult game on Wednesday.“I want us to rest well ahead of the game in Glasgow because we put a lot of effort into this, especially Antoine Griezmann. We thought about resting him, but decided against it.“We have always taken it game by game from the very first day I arrived here. And now we only think about Celtic.”"
Atletico Madrid boss Simeone makes superb Celtic claim
There is very little doubt that Atletico Madrid are in great form right now. Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann have quietly been two of the best players in Europe this season.
Celtic will need to stop Griezmann and Morata if they want to get a positive result against Atletico Madrid. That is easier said than done though. The duo have scored 15 goals between them and we are still just in October.
Thus, Celtic will need to put in an inspired performance if they are to take anything from the game against Atletico Madrid. Let’s see if Rodgers’ side are able to pull a rabbit out of the hat in midweek.