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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Antoine Griezmann expects tough Celtic test as he pinpoints Parkhead atmosphere

French superstar Antoine Griezmann believes Celtic could be Atletico Madrid's toughest test in the Champions League group stage.

Brendan Rodgers' side have been drawn against the La Liga giants, as well as Lazio and Feyenoord.

All matches are set to be fiercely contested, but Griezmann reckons Celtic's famous Parkhead European atmosphere could give them an added edge.

He told the Daily Record: “Celtic are a team who consistently win their league, score a lot of goals and will be a very difficult game away. This group is wide open. This is not an easy group. I don’t buy into that at all just because there is not one of the favourites in the competition.

“The group is four teams, all who have a European pedigree and who have a big chance of progressing. As far as we are concerned, there is no room for complacency. Lazio finished second last season to a very good Napoli team, Feyenoord won their league, we have to respect the quality of the three other teams.

“But we know the most important thing is to focus on us and how we play. We have one of the most talented groups of players in Europe and, if we play as we know we can, then we are confident of making the knockout stages.

“I had success with Atletico during my first spell with the club and my aim is to win trophies again this spell. Of course, when you think of trophies, the Champions League is always at the forefront of your mind. I made a final during my first time here (2014) and now the ambition is to go one better.”

Brendan Rodgers looked ahead to the group stage yesterday insisting that Celtic are looking to be as competitive as possible.

He added: "It's what it is all about. The football challenge of the Champions League is huge but it is great for the fans. They will go to some fantastic cities. They will go in their numbers but it is going to be great.

"It's always going to be a challenge for the Scottish teams in there. We know the numbers that are involved economically for the teams and the strongest leagues. What you want to do is show your supporters you are competitive and can go and compete. That's what we will aim to do. The group gives us a fighting chance but there is no doubt the teams in there are very good sides in their own right. We aim to be competitive."

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