Former England striker Gary Lineker has mentioned Celtic as a potential surprise contender in the UEFA Champions League, despite their mixed start to the tournament.
After a series of ups and downs in their initial fixtures, Brendan Rodgers’ team has caught Lineker’s attention. The season began on a high note for Celtic with a remarkable 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at home, showcasing their attacking strength and giving fans hope.
However, their confidence took a hit when they suffered a devastating 7-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in Germany. This defeat raised concerns about Celtic’s ability to perform consistently on the European stage.
Nevertheless, things took a positive turn for Celtic in their third match against Atalanta. They displayed tactical discipline and resilience, earning a crucial point against the Italian side with a solid defensive performance.
With four points from their first three games, Celtic currently sits in 20th place in the Champions League standings. This position could potentially see them through to the knockout stages under the competition’s new format.
When asked about unexpected standout teams in the tournament, Lineker highlighted Aston Villa and Brest as frontrunners but also acknowledged Celtic’s resurgence. Despite their unpredictable form, Celtic’s ability to bounce back reflects the team’s character and potential, according to Lineker.
In addition to Villa and Brest’s impressive performances, Lineker noted that Manchester City and Liverpool are leading the English teams in the competition. He expressed surprise at considering Celtic as a strong contender given their heavy defeat against Dortmund but commended their ability to secure four points from two matches.
As Celtic continues their Champions League campaign, the team’s resilience and determination could see them progress further in the tournament. Their ability to overcome setbacks and deliver strong performances will be crucial as they aim to make their mark on the European stage.