Just hours to go now until Celtic face off with Real Madrid in their Champions League group stage opener.
Carlo Ancelotti's men will be looking to start off their European campaign with a bang after going all the way to the Final before lifting the prestigious competition's trophy last time out – making it 14 Champions League triumphs in total. On the other hand, it is Celtic's first time at European football's top table in five years, with Ange Postecoglou the first Aussie boss to ever manage in the competition's group stage. So, both the men on the pitch and the chaps in the dugout will be out to grab the glory.
And there is a real can-do attitude circulating in Glasgow's east end, with the Hoops boss refusing to burst the bubble of Celtic fans, who have been eagerly awaiting this tie since the draw was made. Nevertheless, it is a tough ask for the Scottish champions, who are off to a flying start domestically this season. But one thing is for sure, the Parkhead faithful will be right behind their beloved men in green and white this evening.
Here is what our writers reckon will happen under the Celtic Park lights tonight...
Keith Jackson
The mind boggles with this one. Either way, we’re about to find out how Celtic’s all-guns-blazing approach matches up against the champions of Europe. It could be a disaster. Or it might catch Real Madrid with their pants down. So long as Postecoglou’s side trades some serious blows it will be a good night. And I rather suspect they will.
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Craig Swan
It is going to be a special night and Celtic will have a go. However, Real are the Kings of Europe and have won five of the past nine Champions Leagues. They may just have too much for the hungry hosts with their glut of experience at this level.
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Michael Gannon
Celtic are flying right now but this is a whole new ball game. This is the champions of Europe and they are rammed full of quality. Celts can give them a game though but it’s a heck of a task.
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Gordon Parks
Celtic can threaten the very best with their class in the final third but this is a step up a level and the Spanish giants are as good as they come and it’ll show.
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Andy Newport
The Hoops are flying but they will have to soar to new heights to topple the 14-time kings of Europe. With confidence surging they might be able to give Carlo Ancelotti’s men a fright but I still expect Benzema and Co to get the job done.
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Liam Bryce
Ange Postecoglou is spot on in his refusal to temper any expectation as to what Celtic can achieve against the European champions and it should be an absolute cracker under the lights. His side may not come away with a result but they can certainly give their illustrious opponents a run for their money.
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