We’ve already covered the reaction from Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk to facing Celtic in the Champions League on 67 Hail Hail, but what are German outfit RB Leipzig saying to it all?
Earlier, it was confirmed by UEFA that Celtic will take on Leipzig in a doubleheader in the middle of Group F’s run of fixtures. First, we’ll travel to Germany on 5th October, before hosting Domenico Tedesco and his squad six days later on 11th October.
Those games will be massive in shaping the direction of Celtic’s European campaign. In fact, it could make or break a run to the last 16 or even the quest to finish third and drop into the UEFA Europa League.
Tedesco has so far not commented on the draw, choosing instead to focus on the club’s domestic action after a run of poor results at the start of the Bundesliga season.
He said on Thursday morning [RB Leipzig]: “My focus is on other things. It’s definitely a shame because we’ve worked so hard to be here but right now there are other things on the mind.
“The Bundesliga is what we’re focused on every day. We have to stabilise ourselves and that’s what we’re working on. I’ll watch the draw but the main focus is elsewhere.”
That focus paid off with a 2-0 victory at home to Wolfsburg earlier today, their first of the season.
CEO Oliver Mintzlaff did react to the four-team group, however, saying after events in Istanbul: “We are extremely proud to have already taken part in the Champions League five times during our seven years as a Bundesliga side.
“To be drawn in a group with the title holders and most successful club in the competition’s history Real Madrid, as well as the reigning domestic champions in Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic is an exciting challenge that we very happily accept.
“We look forward to magic nights together with our fans! Our aim is to go into the winter break still in Europe, preferably of course in the Champions League still for the third time.”
Meanwhile, the club’s editorial staff are looking forward to a big night in Glasgow, stating on the official Leipzig website today: “A cauldron-like atmosphere should be expected for the away game. The team are also leading the Scottish Premiership this season.
“The 52-time Scottish champions and European Cup winners in 1967 have a well-known goalkeeper in Joe Hart, who won 75 caps for England.
“Leipzig are meeting Celtic again, having played the team previously in the 2018 Europa League. The team won 2-0 at home but suffered a 2-1 defeat away in Glasgow.”
Those Europa League fixtures four years ago give everyone a good idea of what to expect. Leipzig also travelled to Glasgow last season in the secondary competition, facing Rangers in a disappointing semi-final.
It’s all set up to be a competitive pair of games, and they could well be our main rivals in terms of qualification from the group.
In other news, Video: Joe Hart Champions League ‘masterclass’ resurfaces; great watch for Celtic support.
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