Celtic defender Mortiz Jenz has spoken of his delight at Celtic’s Champions League draw which includes the holders Real Madrid.
The Scottish champions were drawn into Group F alongside Madrid, as well as the Hoops’ old European foes and RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk, and it’s the glamour tie that Jenz is most excited for.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jenz said: “It’s a fantastic draw, to get the reigning champions to come here to Celtic Park, I think the fans have been dreaming of it.
“Everybody knows Real Madrid – they’re the big one in the Champions League, and at home with our atmosphere, we’re looking forward to it.
“I’ve been hearing a lot from the other players about the Champions League nights here and I’ve been looking at the games from the past on YouTube, Barcelona for example, and I just can’t wait to hear the anthem and the big roar before it.
“It’s unimaginable, you have to be here, it will be a fantastic evening and an amazing night”
The defender was very encouraged by the rest of the group too, and believes that Ange Postecoglou’s side will go out to attack the sides fighting to qualify for European competition after Christmas.
He said: “It’s a very interesting group, a very competitive group, very good teams. We will focus, and we will work hard.
“We should have respect for the other teams, they’re all fantastic teams, it will be difficult obviously but we know we’ll have our chances and we’ll try and take our chances.
“We’ll be brave, play our way, play our attacking football, and we’ll do our best, we will work hard and bring the game to them.”
It’s Celtic’s first Champions League group stage campaign since 2017-18, and the games against Real Madrid will mark the first time that the Hoops have faced Los Blancos in a competitive game in more than 40 years.
Celtic’s campaign kicks off on either the 6th or 7th of September, with the Group Stage concluding on November 1st or 2nd, fixtures are expected to be announced in the next couple of days following the draws for UEFA’s Europa and Conference Leagues.
Postecoglou’s side will have to park their Champions League ambitions momentarily regardless, as the Hoops visit Tannadice on Sunday to take on Dundee United.
In other news: John Kennedy opens up on behind-the-scenes feelings ahead of Celtic’s Champions League return
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