Celtic announce a sell-out Paradise for AZ Alkmaar Europa League clash

By Euan Davidson

August 18, 2021

Celtic have announced another sell-out, with the visit of AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

The Europa League play-off first leg, against the Eredivisie’s third-place outfit from last season, has captured the supporters’ imagination. Performances against Jablonec, Dundee and Hearts have only added to the optimistic atmosphere at Paradise.

Now, the Bhoys take on another European foe, with the backing of a bumper Paradise crowd. Having been locked out for a year and a half, there’s little surprise the Hoops faithful are turning out in their numbers.

The club announced [Celtic FC]:

“Having you back in Paradise, getting behind the team has been a huge boost. Every voice in the stands roaring the Bhoys on to victory is crucial – and the effect is undeniable! The Bhoys have been on fire, putting on a show for the supporters in the electric setting of Celtic Park!

“Once again you have shown your incredible, unwavering support and we are delighted to announce that the Celtic v AZ Alkmaar game is now SOLD OUT!

“Excitement is already building ahead of the game, and now Paradise awaits the sea of green and white ready to raise the roof, as the battle for the group stage gets underway in Glasgow’s East End.”

The fans came in their thousands: Celtic sell out again for AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League

As we wrote last night, this one has the potential to be a classic. Not only are Celtic coming into excellent form, our opponents have been struggling. AZ are a strong team, but they’re missing some key pieces.

Owen Wijndal and Jesper Karlsson will sit this one out for Alkmaar, while the likes of Myron Boadu and Calvin Stengs have already left the club.

But don’t expect Pascal Jansen not to go for it, regardless. Utilising a similar methodology to Ange Postecoglou, the Dutch side play a breathless, attacking brand of football, creating chances at will.

This’ll be a great game, there’s little doubt of that. And now, officially, it will have a sell-out crowd.

In other news: German club in to spoil the party