RB Leipzig’s Christoph Baumgartner on ‘dream’ of playing at Celtic Park

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Christoph Baumgartner was plying his trade elsewhere when RB Leipzig last graced Celtic Park.

The versatile Austrian is a key member of the squad for the German outfit but he was still making his name at Hoffenheim back in 2022 when Leipzig stunned Parkhead in a 2-0 win thanks to Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg.

The 25-year-old has never had the pleasure of taking to the field in Glasgow’s east end but is a likely starter for Marco Rose’s side this evening as the two clubs battle it out in the Champions League.

For Baumgartner, a European night at Parkhead is one of those bucket list stadiums to play football at and he explained how it’s a ground he might have dreamed about playing in as a kid.

• READ MORE: Marco Rose shows deep Celtic appreciation as he shares what Leipzig anticipate from Parkhead battle

The talented international was studying the playing surface last night before his side and Brendan Rodgers’ troops do battle as he was asked by Leipzig’s own TV channel about what to expect.

That’s when the playmaker spoke on his feelings on the history of Celtic Park as well as the expected “incredible” atmosphere drummed up by a packed out crowd during the Champions League theme being blared out.

“I’ve not been here before, I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

Baumgartner can’t wait to play against Celtic in the Champions League

“I think it’s one of those stadiums in Europe that you dream of playing in as a kid because it just has that history behind it.

“You always hear about the incredible atmosphere here and I’m really looking forward to it.

“But at the end of the day it’s just another football game like any other and our aim is to win, which is the most important thing.”

We told you recently how manager Rose echoed Baumgartner’s sentiments as he praised the Parkhead cauldron and provided his thoughts on Celtic as a whole.

What RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose said about Celtic as an opponent

He said: “I always like coming here, I like the history of the club, I appreciate fan culture a lot. I remember my first match here with Salzburg in the Europa League very well, we played very well and the supporters accepted and honoured the result.

“I actually had some contact with a few supporters; they offered me a scarf. This creates a connection, and I also like their manager.”