Csubsequent group matches at Parkhead will determine Celtic’s European fate this season, with the first of these coming tonight against RB Leipzig.
Celtic are bottom of the Champions League group with just one point from three games, despite generally positive performances. They missed several chances in a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk and were wiped out by individual errors in the 3-1 defeat in Leipzig last week.
As Celtic’s final game of the group stage is a trip to Real Madrid, they need two home wins against Leipzig and Shakhtar to give themselves at least a shout of Europa League qualification. However, it is not impossible that seven points are enough to reach the Champions League last-16 as second in the group.
Ange Postecoglou expected his side to grow into the league as most players have never played in the Champions League before, but he warned that gaining experience would also teach the side that every game is just as difficult as the last.
“That’s kind of what you hope for, that as we have more experiences at this level, we get more used to this level and what it means, and the fine line between success and failure,” he said.
“But at the same time, it doesn’t mean that the challenge is any easier, because Leipzig is probably a better team today than in the first round.
“The only thing you know about this level, and that’s what you have to get used to, is that it’s brutal. It’s the highest level of club football, so there are no easy matches.”
“You can play 100 games at Champions League level and you know the next one will be difficult. That’s the experience you go through, you understand every game.
“Maybe when you start you think it might get easier. It doesn’t. It stays exactly the same. That’s why even some of the best teams haven’t won it yet, because it’s constantly demanding at this level.”
Full team news coming soon.