Celtic have shown the best and worst of themselves across their opening two Champions League matches against Slovan Bratislava and Borussia Dortmund.
The Bhoys are 20th in the league phase table on three points, above Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, and AC Milan, so despite events in midweek, it isn’t all doom and gloom.
Nevertheless, Celtic’s hammering in Dortmund on matchday two will sting. Losing the game isn’t what caused the upset; the margin of defeat is.
Taking on a more positive outlook, the Bhoys’ Champions League projections see them harbour a 69% chance of progress to the knockout playoff round if they can claim nine points.
With Celtic claiming victory against Slovan Bratislava in their opener, they may only need two more wins. Anything above the earmarked nine would almost certainly see Brendan Rodgers’ men extend their stay in Europe’s premier competition well into 2025.
Undoubtedly, there is pressure to improve from an unfateful night in Germany. However, there is still plenty of optimism to be had in a wide-open league phase structure.
Celtic told they are ‘miles ahead’ of last season
Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan believes his old side are ‘miles ahead’ of schedule this season both domestically and in the Champions League, having already got three points on the board against Slovan Bratislava.
He explained: “Yeah, I think after two games, if you told them they’re going to have three points, after those two fixtures, you’re like, yeah, we’re on track, that’s where we plan to be.
“The investment in the squad isn’t to go and beat Dortmund away, it’s to go and beat Slovan Bratislava at home and the rest of their home games, probably. Atalanta is going to be another tough one; like Brendan Rodgers has already said, he’s not going to change his style.
“I don’t really think he should, if he backs it, he backs it. Again, I think it’s just the score line, yes, obviously, it’s embarrassing for everyone, but in the grand scheme of where they are this season, compared to last season, they’re miles ahead in terms of that.
“It’s not all doom and gloom, yes, so when it’s embarrassing, it could have come at a worse time, really. I think that the squad will bounce back, I think Brendan Rodgers has bounced back from results like that before, and I’m kind of looking forward to see how they are.”
Celtic need to respond after Dortmund humbling
Most Celtic fans will be keen to move away from the rhetoric surrounding their side’s performance in Dortmund, so it makes sense to look ahead to future challenges as the weekend approaches.
Once Sunday lunchtime comes around, the Bhoys face Ross County in the Scottish Premiership determined to make their mark before the international break.
Having claimed maximum points against the Staggies last season, there is plenty to be positive about heading to the Global Energy Stadium. Ross County have lost all 11 meetings with Celtic since their last victory over the reigning champions in February 2021.
Don Cowie expects Celtic to be ‘relentless’ after Champions League frustration in midweek against Dortmund, with changes potentially afoot to provide some freshness across key positions.
The challenge for the Bhoys is simple, they need to claim three points in the Highlands before the international break ensues.
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