Former Real Madrid and current Real Betis star Sergio Canales has described Celtic as “complicated” ahead of Thursday night’s clash.
The Bhoys travel to Seville to play Betis next week. Ahead of the game, ex-Barca man Marc Bartra showed his respect for the Hoops, calling us “used to the Champions League”.
Canales has taken a very similar route. He, like Bartra, has designs on making the final, which is set to take place at the home of Betis’ rivals, Sevilla.
However, it’s about negotiating the group stage first. Canales admits Celtic are an obstacle to their progression.
The 10-cap Spaniard, who also played for Valencia and Real Sociedad, said [via the Sun]:
“We want to reach the final, but not just because it’s in Seville. We just want to go as far as we can in the competition.
“I really like the group to which we have been drawn. There are some complicated teams in there against us, starting with Celtic this week.
“If we are talking about reaching the final, then first we have to concentrate on winning a difficult group.
“Once we win the group, then we can start dreaming.”
Sergio Canales talks up Betis ahead of Celtic meeting
Clearly, Bartra isn’t alone in expressing his Europa League ambitions. The Betis players sound like a fiercely determined bunch, and they’re a threat to Celtic.
Amongst all this, Bayer Leverkusen and Ferencvaros seem to have been forgotten about. The Bundesliga giants are probably the popular favourites to top the group. Ferencvaros, as we’re well aware, are more than capable of picking up points, too.
Let’s be clear, though; this is a really exciting group. The matches themselves should be fascinating, and it would represent real progress to make it through.
Despite the upheaval at Celtic over the summer (and over the last few days), there’s still real optimism about what Ange Postecoglou is doing.
Betis are no mugs, though. Along with Bartra and Canales, there’s plenty of talent in that team. Nabil Fekir, Willian Jose, William Carvalho and even Joaquin, who played in the 2002 World Cup, all represent real quality.
Thursday evening is going to make for gripping viewing. We cannot wait.
In other news: The crucial questions for Celtic board after McKay departure
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