In the aftermath of Celtic’s 2-0 win over Cluj in the Europa League, the BBC had an interesting statistic on their website.
They pointed out that Celtic’s four points from their first two fixtures are their joint-best start to a Europa League campaign since 2014-15.
The Hoops were managed by Ronny Deila that season. Arguably they were not as good a side as they are now. Still, the side managed to progress to the last 32 of the competition that season. However, they were knocked out by Inter Milan.
Hoops lead the group after two games
Therefore, the omens seems favourable that the Hoops will make progress to the last 32 this season. After all, Celtic do sit proudly on top of Group E after two games.
As in 2014-15 though, two games against an Italian team could be pivotal to the chances of the Hoops progress. The next two fixtures in the group see Celtic take on Lazio, with the first game at Celtic Park on the 24th of October.
Four points from double header would be ideal
Four points from those two fixtures would put the Hoops in a great position to reach the last 32. Celtic should not fear Lazio, in fact Neil Lennon should have real confidence in his team that they can beat the Italian side.
Celtic’s recovery since losing to Cluj in the Champions League has been exceptional. Few would have given the Hoops a chance of progressing in Europe after conceding four goals to Cluj. Now the Hoops can look ahead to the double header with Lazio full of confidence.
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