Most Celtic supporters were merely delighted just to be back among the biggest clubs in the world once again.
But it's ok to dream, of course, and Callum McGregor was saying what many Parkhead punters felt when he admitted the chance to face Real Madrid was his dream. There's been 10 appearances for Celtic in this iconic tournament since the rebrand but a dust-up with the Galacticos has evaded them....until NOW. Ange Postecoglou 's side will take on the 14-time reigning European champions, alongside RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.
The task is tall, of that there is no doubt, however, there's a tangible sense Celtic can be competitive in a group which offers plenty of hope of positive results on the pitch. Celtic Park earned a reputation as among the best atmospheres in Europe and the Hoops punters will be aiming to break the sound record this time around. Most likely when Karim Benzema and Co rock up in Glasgow's east end. The stakes truly couldn't be much higher as Celtic get set for Group F and a host of illustrious names in European football. Record Sport runs the rule over who lies in wait and what Postecoglou's side can expect.
Real Madrid
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti is European royalty and his incredible record in this tournament sets him apart from his peers. The first ever four-time winner of the famous old trophy. His laid-back persona married with his tactical nous is what makes the revered Italian so special. This Madrid side are not the Galacticos of yesteryear, yes, it's jam packed with superstar names but it's been built slowly and appears the perfect mix of old and new. Ancelotti is the dream boss to build upon last season's triumph over Liverpool in the Final.
Stadium: The Santiago Bernabeu. An arena so iconic, it's woven into the fabric of the beautiful game. The famous old arena is still being modified amid renovations and more punters will be back in for this season, and expect a mammoth travelling support to follow Celtic to the Spanish capital when the fixture list comes out.
Star Player: There can only be one man and that is Karim Benzema. The Madrid lifer has reimagined his gleaming legacy by becoming a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque scorer in his mid 30s.
The Frenchman was always the least hearlded star, at world level, when he, the aforementioned Ronaldo and Gareth Bale led Madrid to four Champions League titles in five seasons. But the Frenchman, back in the international fold, is a man reborn. He and mesmeric winger Vinicius make this team tick in the final third.
Interesting fact: Real Madrid became the first team in world football to number their players back in 1947, some thought it wouldn't stick but Los Blancos certainly made it work.
Euro pedigree: It almost appears glib to ask that question about a team who are the standard bearers for others to follow. They have won the European Cup 14 times and haven't lost a Final since Aberdeen broke their hearts' in Gothenburg back in 1983.
Most recent encounter with Celtic: It was the quarter final of the 1979/80 European Cup. Celtic won the first leg 2-0 but lost the return 3-0 in Spain. George McCluskey and Jonny Doyle struck for the Hoops but it wasn't enough in the Bernabeu.
RB Leipzig
Manager: Domenico Tedesco. The 36-year-old earned a whizz-kid verdict but he failed to find the answers to take Rangers down in the Europa League semi final. He made the grade at Schalke but it remains to be seen if he is the man to take ambitious Leipzig to the next level. They are winless in three Bundesliga matches so far this season.
Stadium: The surprisingly named Red Bull Arena, humour us, is a fearsome bowl but visiting fans often complain it was built without a soul. But there were likely be a sizeable travelling Celtic contingent, ready to train hop around Germany.
Star Player: It has to be a tie between Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner, even if the latter hasn't felt much like a star in a while. The former is one of the most admired young forwards in Europe and his stunning, swivel finish against Rangers at Ibrox was one of 35 he netted in all competitions last season.
In Werner's case, it would be fair to say he will never be confused with a predatory finisher, however, he does make the type of runs elite players specialise in. It would be unwise to start the "Sebo" chants when the German international is around.
Interesting fact: In 2019, they became the first team to knock a Diego Simeone side out of the Champions League, with a squad which didn't contain Cristiano Ronaldo in it.
Euro pedigree: Decent, semi final appearances in both the Champions League and Europa League but it feels any praise isn't overly forthcoming for a side branded "the most hated in Germany". People in their homeland don't gravitate towards their very visible main sponsor and owner.
Most recent encounter with Celtic: A good one for Celtic. Brendan Rodgers' side were outclassed in Germany but produced a famous night en route to the last 32 of the Europa League, as Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard struck in 2018.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Manager: Igor Jovicevic is the man in charge of a team who have been feeling the effects in the Donbass region long before Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier this year. Jovicevic has thrived at youth level with both Dinamo Zagreb and Dnipro. And now he is tasked with making a Donetsk with a difference tick.
Stadium: It's the Donbass Arena, of course, but Legia Warsaw's stadium will be home for their three Champions League fixtures this season. It's incredibly sad circumstances, however, Celtic, Madrid and Leipzig will be aiming to take advantage of a side miles away from home, minus their supporters.
Star Player: Lassina Traore can't stop scoring but Scotland supporters will not see Manor Solomon, loaned to Fulham before suffering injury. The Irsael playmaker if perpetual motion with the ball at his feet. This Shakhtar squad is going through a chance amid the world issues affecting the club and the lack of big name Brazilians is jarring, considering that's how this team have been forged over the past 20 years.
Interesting fact: They have signed a deal with Legia Warsaw to host Champions League games at the stadium and Celtic were there recently for Artur Boruc's farewell match.
Euro pedigree: A strong one but they have never had that dream season which resulted in a trip beyond the last eight in this competition. They did win the UEFA Cup back in 2009 but it appears, for a multitude of reasons, their days as a fringe European powerhouse are behind them.
Most recent encounter with Celtic: It was that famous night when Massimo Donati scored in added time to defeat the Ukrainians. That famous 2-1 triumph was enough to secure a second consecutive trip to the last 16 of the Champions League.
READ NEXT
