Celtic are en route to getting sweet revenge over European foes CFR Cluj.
The Romanians knocked the Hoops out the Champions League in the qualifiers in August. Some of the Celtic faithful think the result was hard while others thought it was well deserved.
Fortunately, Cluj aren’t on a good run of form going into the match next Thursday.
Celtic and Cluj match could determine group destiny
When the draw was made, all the fans knew that it was going to be close.
No one expected Cluj to get an opening day victory at home to Lazio on match day one. Rennes and Celtic drew with each other in the meantime meaning it’s all to play for.
Add to the fact that the Hoops want to avenge their loss at Parkhead several weeks ago.
Cluj are a team in need of a morale boosting win despite the Lazio victory last Thursday. At the weekend, they played out a dross 0-0 draw at away at Steaua Bucharest in the league.
Their fans are reeling though after a midweek cup exit against mid table Botosani and going down to 10 men. Penalties were needed to settle the tie with the home side going through 4-2.
Romanian cup exit is down to unorthodox tactics
The shoot-out wasn’t the usual nail biting affair for Botosani due to unusual circumstances.
Goalkeeper Hidajet Hankić used a piece of paper tucked in his socks to guess where the taker was going to go.
It was an audacious decision which paid dividends as his side won the shoot-out 4-2 and knocking Cluj out.
The game had finished 2-2 after 120 minutes of football with no winner.
Now, Dan Petrescu and his men are under immense pressure to put their fortunes right.
Let’s hope Celtic are on their game and avoid any possible slip ups. Both teams know they can score goals against each other but Neil Lennon will have the Bhoys well drilled.
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