An intriguing statistic about Cluj should give Celtic confidence ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League tie between the teams.
Cluj will be going into the game hoping to win their second group stage game in a row, following their 2-1 win over Lazio in the opening fixture. However, as pointed out by the BBC, Cluj have not won consecutive games in ‘major European competition’ since 2012.
Celtic can take advantage of poor record
That is seven years ago, which is a long time in football. The statistic seems to indicate that Cluj are an inconsistent side when it comes to Europe. That is what Celtic should be looking to take advantage of.
Still, the Hoops will need to play very well to win the game. They know the threat that Cluj possess from the games between the teams in August.
However, that could also end up being to Celtic’s benefit. Neil Lennon and his players will have worked on the mistakes that they made in the previous meeting between the teams.
Game could have real impact on who makes last 32
The game could really have an impact on Celtic making the last 32 of the Europa League. A win would give the Hoops four points, and put them in a strong position ahead of the double header against Lazio. However, a loss would leave the Hoops five points behind Cluj. That would lead to a battle for second place in the group.
Celtic should be favourites for the game. They are at home, and as the aforementioned statistic points out, Cluj seem to struggle to put wins together.
However, the Hoops were favourites for the game between the teams in August. That did not turn out the way that the club were hoping that it would.
Celtic are more than capable of making up for the loss to Cluj that happened in the last meeting between the teams. Cluj’s inconsistency will only add to Celtic’s hopes.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
