In a season when the cold, hard facts over a series of chastening defeats have been galling – Celtic can seek a crumb of comfort as they renew acquaintances with Benfica. The Portuguese giants boast a fearsome record on the continent; however, they have been a good luck charm for the Premiership champions during their multiple dust-ups in the 21st century. The three times Celtic reached the last 16 of the Champions League in the old format (06/07, 07/08 and 12/13), Benfica were placed in the same four-team group. And on every occasion, Celtic finished above Benfica, with Manchester United, Milan and Barcelona the winners of the groups in each of their respective years, the Hoops in second and Benfica settling for a place in the UEFA Cup/Europa League. Celtic are undefeated in three home games against Benfica in the 21st century. However, they have lost on all three visits to the Stadium of Light.
