Former England striker Gary Lineker has recognized Celtic as potential dark horses in this year’s UEFA Champions League, despite the Scottish club’s uneven start in the tournament. Lineker’s comments come following Celtic’s fluctuating performances, which have seen moments of brilliance offset by sobering defeats.
Under manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic entered the Champions League with hopes of defying expectations. Their campaign started with a stunning display at Celtic Park, where they dominated Slovan Bratislava with a 5-1 win. The emphatic victory highlighted Celtic’s attacking prowess and gave their supporters a glimmer of hope for a strong European run. However, the optimism quickly diminished after a brutal 7-0 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in Germany. This heavy loss initially seemed to signal another uphill struggle for Celtic in Europe, reminiscent of their previous battles in the competition, where they’ve often found it challenging to compete with Europe’s elite.
But Celtic’s fortunes took a positive turn on matchday three when they faced Atalanta away. The Scottish champions showed tactical discipline and defensive resilience, securing a vital point in Italy. This performance hinted at a renewed spirit within the squad, as they implemented a game plan that neutralized the Italians’ attacking strengths and highlighted Celtic’s adaptability under pressure.
By the end of the first three matches, Celtic had accumulated four points, placing them in a position that, under the new Champions League format, keeps their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive. This points tally, coupled with the mental resilience demonstrated against Atalanta, has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, including Lineker.
When asked about potential surprise contenders in the Champions League this season, Lineker acknowledged the usual frontrunners but also highlighted Celtic’s resurgence. He remarked on the peculiarity of considering Celtic as a dark horse, noting their inconsistency but also recognizing their potential to surprise. “It’s strange, really, when you think about it. Celtic took a heavy defeat from Dortmund, but they’ve shown resilience and character in their other games,” Lineker observed, adding that these qualities could help them navigate the group stage and potentially reach the knockout rounds.
“Villa, with three wins from three, you’d have to say they’re one of the standout performers,” Lineker stated on The Rest Is Football podcast. “The three English teams are leading the way, with Manchester City and Liverpool in particular. Brest in France, they’re doing very well too with two wins and a draw, which is impressive.”
Addressing Celtic’s situation, Lineker noted, “Celtic, in a strange way, might have a shot. Yes, they got battered by Dortmund, but they’ve accumulated four points from their other two games, which could place them in a good spot in the middle block.”
Lineker’s recognition of Celtic as a potential surprise package reflects both the unpredictability of this season’s Champions League and the grit that Rodgers’ team has shown in moments of adversity. With Celtic currently positioned mid-table in the Champions League standings, their remaining group matches will be critical in determining whether they can turn Lineker’s predictions into reality.
As they prepare for upcoming matches, Celtic will need to strike a balance between their offensive strengths, as displayed against Bratislava, and the defensive tenacity shown against Atalanta. If Rodgers can maintain this balance, Celtic may well have a chance of progressing further than many initially expected.
Lineker’s comments have added an extra layer of intrigue to Celtic’s Champions League journey this season. While Celtic’s path forward remains challenging, the endorsement from such a respected figure in football brings encouragement to both the players and fans. For Celtic, it’s a matter of turning potential into consistent performance, and if they manage to do so, they might just emerge as one of the Champions League’s most memorable stories this season.
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