Celtic sit on nine Champions League points after claiming a draw away to Dinamo Zagreb last night that has provoked mixed feelings among the support.
While some Celtic fans are frustrated at not taking a victory despite enjoying the bulk of possession, others are relieved that the Bhoys are more than competitive within a difficult league phase environment.
Brendan Rodgers admitted Celtic missed an opportunity in Zagreb to further their reach in the competition, but maybe that is a reflection of how far his side has come in a short space of time.
The Champions League picture is still bright for Celtic. Points are there to be gained against Young Boys and Aston Villa in their last two matches come the New Year.
How many will be required to qualify for the knockout playoff phase? Supporters now have a far better idea after last night’s results across the board.
How many points Celtic need for Champions League progression
On social media platform X, projection specialists Football Rankings have painted a clearer picture of how Celtic could need to make the Champions League knockouts.
Crunching the numbers, eight points for any of the Bhoys’ direct competitors equates to a 5% chance of securing qualification.
If Celtic were to stay on nine points upon the conclusion of the league phase, they would have a 38% probability of progression, but that would rely heavily on events elsewhere.
Will a draw be enough against Young Boys next month? Ten points would get you through 83% of the time in simulations ran concerning potential outcomes. To answer in short, more than likely, but don’t bank on it!
Expectedly, 11 points give you a 99% chance of claiming knockout football. In turn, 12 points equals 100%, which is why defeating one of the Swiss Super League champions, or Aston Villa, is critical for Celtic before the league phase concludes.
The scenario of the Hoops sneaking into the top eight is extremely thin. The maximum points total they can claim is 15, allowing 11% room for manoeuvre.
Celtic know what they need to do in final two European fixtures
Results going Celtic’s way could help to provide a better advantage ahead of their monumental clash at home to Young Boys next month.
Feyenoord, Stuttgart and Atletico Madrid are all teams that supporters will hope can drop points tonight to narrow the margin for error.
Regardless, a victory over Young Boys would be enough to send Celtic through to the knockout stages without question.
Circumstances could dictate that ten points is enough. Nevertheless, the game has to be won. Nobody wants a nervous wait or potentially having to claim a result at high-flying Aston Villa on matchday eight.
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