Celtic’s Impressive Start to Champions League Campaign
Former England striker Gary Lineker has showered Celtic with praise after their remarkable 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League. Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, highlighted Celtic as one of the top contenders to progress to the knockout stage of the competition. The Scottish Premiership champions displayed dominance and skill in their league phase opener, impressing fans and pundits alike.
Optimism Surrounding Celtic’s European Prospects
Lineker’s optimism about Celtic’s potential in Europe this season stems from their strong start in the revamped Champions League format. With the top 24 teams now entering the play-off rounds for a shot at the last-16, Lineker believes Celtic’s performance against Slovan Bratislava positions them as a favorite to reach the play-offs. The striker-turned-pundit commended Celtic’s attacking prowess in their five-goal spectacle and expressed excitement about their chances in the tournament.
Celtic’s Opportunity for Success in New Champions League Format
Pundit Micah Richards also weighed in on Celtic’s prospects in the new Champions League format, suggesting that Brendan Rodgers’ team may have a better opportunity than ever to make a mark on the European stage. Richards noted that in previous years, Celtic’s European ambitions may have been limited to securing third place in their group for a Europa League spot. However, with the revamped format offering more chances for teams like Celtic to progress, Richards sees a bright future for the Scottish side in the competition.
Celtic’s commanding victory over Slovan Bratislava not only showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted their potential to excel in the Champions League. The team’s strong start in the league phase has generated excitement among fans and pundits, with many tipping them as a favorite to advance to the knockout stage.
Lineker and Richards’ praise for Celtic’s performance reflects the team’s growing stature in European football. With the revamped format providing more opportunities for teams to progress, Celtic’s impressive display against Slovan Bratislava has set the stage for an exciting journey in the Champions League.
As Celtic continue their campaign in Europe’s premier club competition, all eyes will be on their upcoming matches to see if they can maintain their winning form and secure a spot in the play-off rounds. With Lineker and Richards backing them to succeed, the Scottish champions have a golden opportunity to make a statement in the Champions League this season.