Celtic in the Champions League: Group F Preview

After being out of the competition for five years, Celtic have finally returned to the big stage of European football.

Ange Postecoglou will have his first taste of the Champions League as he hopes his side can compete amongst the best in Europe.

Celtic manager, Ange Postecoglou speaks to the press at his first UCL press conference ahead of Tuesday’s opening match against Real Madrid (Image: Getty)

It’s not going to be plain sailing for the Hoops as they will be joined by Shakhtar Donetsk, RB Leipzig and current champions, Real Madrid.

Let’s dissect what Postecoglou’s men will be up against in the Group Stages…

REAL MADRID

The game most Celtic fans will be looking forward to will be against the reigning champions.

Los Blancos are arguably the best team in the world right now so asking for a win against them will be a very tough task.

However, the club have experience of huge upsets, more prominently, the 2-1 victory against then-holders Barcelona in 2012.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men are currently the only team in Europe’s top five leagues to have a 100% record so far and will definitely be looking to regain their crown at the end of the season.

Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti (Image: Getty)

RB LEIPZIG

The Germans have recent history against Scottish sides as they faced Rangers in the semi-final of last season’s Europa League.

RB Leipzig won the first leg thanks to a sublime finish from Angelino, but fell short at Ibrox as the Gers’ pulled through to reach the final.

Managed by Domenico Tedesco, they finished in the top four of the Bundesliga last season and also secured the DFB-Pokal. However, it’s not been the greatest of starts for Die Rotten Bullen as they sit 11th in the table after five games.

The last meeting between the two sides occurred four years ago at Celtic Park. Thanks to goals from Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard, Celtic walked away with the win and they’ll be hoping for a repeat this time round.

SHAKHTAR DONETSK

Despite finishing top of the league, Shakhtar Donetsk were not awarded the title because of the Ukrainian Premier League season being cancelled due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

This means the Hirnyky will be playing their Champions League home games at the Stadion Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw, Poland.

Shakhtar have started the season unbeaten with two wins and a draw, having made various signings; with one player many Celtic fans will remember. Maryan Shved spent two years at the Hoops but never broke into the starting lineup.

Celtic will be hoping that Shved doesn’t come back to haunt them and help Shakhtar to the latter stages of the competition.

PREDICTION

Despite having quality sides in their group, Celtic shouldn’t feel that progression to the last 16 is an impossible task- with the calibre and attacking style the squad has, the Bhoys should have the confidence to finish highly in the group.

Group Stage Prediction - 2nd