Celtic could be set to provide Champions League opponents Shakhtar Donetsk with a European benchmark following their Europa League knockout draw.
The Bhoys went into the world’s top club competition, hoping to secure European football after Christmas for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s side was left disappointed after finishing bottom of the group on two points without picking up a victory.
Across the six games, the Hoops challenged Group F opponents Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk. But ultimately, didn’t have enough quality in front of goal to go through.
Two out of the six games, in particular, would have come as a huge frustration, with Postecoglou and his squad being unable to topple Shakhtar, drawing 1-1 home and away.
With the Ukrainian side able to pick up a further four points thanks to a victory over RB Leipzig and a surprise draw against Real Madrid, it was enough to secure 3rd place and a Europa League knockout spot.
This afternoon the draw for their first knockout tie set to take place in February was made, and they will be taking on French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais.
Along with Shakhtar, Rennes have a recent past with Celtic. Neil Lennon’s side took on the French team in the 2019/20 season and was able to secure a draw and a victory from both games.
Although there is plenty of time before Shakhtar and Rennes meet up on the 16th of February next year, Ange Postecoglou’s side could be set to provide our Champions League opponents with a benchmark of what they will be coming up against.
Celtic set to provide Shakhtar with Europa League benchmark as Bhoys take on French side in friendly outing.
According to recent reports, Ange Postecoglou and his players will be travelling to Portugal in December to take part in a winter training camp.
And alongside the training sessions in the warm Portuguese heat, the Bhoys also look set to take part in friendly action, with one of those games already lined up.
French media outlets have suggested that the Hoops will be facing off against Stade Rennes on the 9th of December in preparation for the return to competitive action later that month.
So, with the Shakhtar Donetsk squad having already faced off against Ange Postecoglou’s men earlier this season, they are likely to be watching closely as we take on their next European opponents.
Whilst it might only be a friendly fixture between the two sides, you would imagine the Celtic boss will be keen to see his side get back up to speed as quickly as possible before travelling to Aberdeen the following week.
Although the French league doesn’t kick off for another week, Stade Rennes will be in the same boat and keen to test themselves against Celtic, who dominated large spells of each game against Shakhtar.
The game will be a good opportunity for our first team stars to build up their match sharpness once again.
But for our opponents and the Ukrainian champions, they will be watching closely to see how the game fairs as a potential benchmark for their up-and-coming European tie early next year.
In other news, Abada, Juranovic and more react on Instagram as on-loan Celtic man helps defeat rivals.
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