The stage is set for a dramatic night of Champions League action tonight as Celtic take on Club Brugge at Parkhead.
With the hours now ticking down until kick-off, supporters will soon begin making their way to Glasgow’s east end as both sides go toe-to-toe in a match that could have significant permutations in the league phase table.
Earning some positive momentum after the international break, Celtic swept aside Heart of Midlothian to move further ahead of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.
Nevertheless, Club Brugge won 7-0 against Sint-Truidense last weekend, illustrating that Kasper Schmeichel may have work to do if a result for the Bhoys is to be on the cards.
While most Celtic supporters will know how the home dressing room are feeling ahead of tonight’s action, where does the visitors’ collective mental state lie as they aim to leapfrog Brendan Rodgers’ men?
Hans Vanaken senses Celtic opportunity for Club Brugge
Speaking ahead of leading his side out at Celtic Park, Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken believes tonight is the ‘least difficult’ on paper for his side to claim Champions League points ahead of clashes against Sporting Clube de Portugal, Juventus and Manchester City.
He stated [De Standaard]: “Of the remaining matches, this is the least difficult on paper. If we want to be in the top 24, we will have to win at least one more match.
“This could be the decisive one. I think it is great that Club’s ambition has grown so much over the years. In the past, it was okay to get 0 (points) out of 18.
“Now it is normal that we want to push through. The only thing missing is the new stadium.”
Time for Celtic to show Club Brugge they mean business
Club Brugge will be all too aware of Celtic’s capabilities on the European stage, seeing as they are direct competitors with Scotland’s champions for a playoff berth.
Nicky Hayen is an admirer of Brendan Rodgers’ work at Parkhead, but his side have also enjoyed plenty of success of their own on the continent, so neither will be taking their foot off the gas come kick-off time.
Regardless, Celtic are the home side and have shown they are more than capable of mixing it with the best Europe has to offer, which has to be the aim again tonight.
Should the Hoops prevail, they could be all but guaranteed a progression route into the latter stages of the competition.
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