Gary Lineker makes superb claim about Celtic after big win

It looks like Celtic impressed a ton of people with their 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in their 24/25 Champions League opener. It is not often that the Hoops score five goals against European opposition. Of course, many have questioned the opposition in the aftermath but one cannot deny that they played their way into the competition.

Just because Celtic outplayed Slovan Bratislava does not mean that the Slovakian side do not have quality. In fact, Brendan Rodgers' side should get their due credit for what was a fantastic performance.

We have seen Celtic hold their own against teams like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in recent years. A lot of the time, their finishing has let them down. Hopefully, the five goals in the opening game will give them the confidence that they need moving forward.

Lineker believes that Celtic are one of the favourites to make the playoff rounds. As reported by The National, he said on The Rest is Football Podcast:

"Now you would say they’re going to play against teams they can beat and I would say probably one of the favourites to reach the play-offs this year.

“I’ll remind everyone again because the teams between 8th and 24th will play in the play-off games to join the top eight in the Champions League last 16. So it will be interesting to see.

"I think with this format, let’s wait and see and see how it pans out. The only downside to that is that there’s even more football for the players.

"But a brilliant win for Celtic and a fantastic start for them."

Gary Lineker makes superb claim about Celtic after big win

That was certainly a fantastic start for Celtic in the Champions League this season. One of the most memorable European nights at Parkhead in recent memory.

To be frank, Celtic should be disappointed if they cannot make the play-offs this season. They have been given a relatively easy draw.

Of course, there are really no 'easy' games at the Champions League level. But there are certainly winnable ones. And Celtic have been handed a few of them.

There are going to be some tough games for them to deal with at the same time. Away matches against Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa could prove particularly difficult. Yet, there seems to be a belief around Parkhead that this team is capable of producing some magical nights of European football.