‘No doubt’ – Chris Sutton’s ‘massive’ verdict on Celtic facing Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in Champions League

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• With Patrick Sinat

Celtic have impressed a lot of people during their Champions League campaign.

Brendan Rodgers has been pleased with his side’s time in the tournament this season so far and there remains a glamour knockout playoff tie to come.

The Hoops have surpassed many pundits’ expectations for the competition even in the newly revamped League Phase.

Big wins over RB Leipzig and Slovan Bratislava were followed by results against the likes of Atalanta and Dinamo.

Then there was the nerve-shredding victory over Young Boys last week.

Big-mouth yappers Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara were silenced by Celts while the English media also reacted as the Scottish Premiership leaders “made a mockery” of the derision of our game.

And now Chris Sutton has come out and defended his old club from criticism received and insisted that he has been impressed with how they have gone about their business this season.

It’s either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the knockout and either fixture will bring its own difficulties.

But proud Sutton has told Rodgers and co. that they should have nothing to fear and should instead take the massive tie in stride and welcome the challenge.

• READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers’ class Celtic answer after being told England look down on Scottish football

Chris Sutton says Celtic ‘have earned the right’ for Champions League praise

Sutton told BBC Sport: “There is no doubt that Celtic will go into a tie with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich as massive underdogs, but they have earned the right to be in the play-offs.

“I have been pleasantly surprised by them in this Champions League campaign.

“They have shown maturity and that they have made progress.”

Celtic’s full results in this season’s Champions League

Celtic have certainly shown they can compete at the highest level of European football and that is down to Rodgers’ tactical nous.

The Irishman even had top eight within touching distance before the pulsating defeat at Aston Villa in midweek.

That was a match that had Europe and naysayers sitting up to take notice of Celtic’s bravery.

But it was not the first time.

They had a Herculean effort in Bergamo and were forced to fight back against Club Brugge at Parkhead despite going a goal down.

Bring on Madrid or Bayern with the confidence inside Parkhead right now.