Celtic Dare to Dream
It’s been a while. Celtic re-enter the rarefied atmosphere of a Champions League night under the lights, and perhaps the heavy rain, to take on European Champions Real Madrid – Europe’s most successful club.
In the early part of this century, Celtic Park remained a fearful fortress for foreign foe. Manchester United, Barcelona, Benfica, AC Milan all fell here.
In recent times, Celtic have nestled into the equivalent of comfortable middle age within the Europa League set. The sense of Celtic Park being a slayer of ambition seemed lost forever.
0-1 Maribor
1-3 RB Salzburg
1-2 Molde
3-4 CFR Cluj
1-3 Copenhagen
1-3 Bodo/Glimt
The list goes on.
When the petrol-fuelled super-elite come calling, there is no longer fear. Take some photos, soak up the noise, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” - lovely. Go home with three points. Five goals from Paris St Germain, 0-3 Juventus, 1-3 AC Milan, 1-2 Bayern Munich. Bayer Leverkusen scored 4.
So, what chance?
This is a very different Celtic. Perhaps as different as any Celtic side since the Jock Stein era. O’Neill’s team were a mixture of brawn and brain with just enough lashings of special sauce from the likes of Petrov, Lambert, Larsson and Sutton. But beyond 16 players? Not so much.
Rodger’s Invincibles flickered briefly before the manager got frustrated and unease set in.
Under Postecoglou, something is building, brewing. It’s Australian in nature but it ain’t pissy lager. A full fat 10% IPA is forming.
Ok, I’ll end that metaphor there. Too early for a pint anyway.
It is very difficult to assess a team when it seems the opposition are as hapless as that faced by Celtic in Scotland this season.
But there is a reason for the haplessness. Celtic are simply too strong, too coherent, too organised and too deep in quality for SPFL teams to cope. Even Europa League finalists The Rangers succumbed 4-0 at the weekend. This isn’t a bad side and is packed with experience, but they were rendered impotent by a Celtic team playing well within themselves.
Beating Dundee United 9-0 does not predict victory for Celtic against such as Real Madrid, but it does matter.
Postecoglou has a plan, and that plan is being followed by a determined and skilful set of players, who are displaying improved levels of fitness. And there are over 20 of them available. The 5-sub rule has helped the manager enormously to implement his structures.
When you can change half the outfield players, O’Riley can hunt turnovers all over the park and push up high. Hatate can wander to find the ball and effect the play. The wingers can go for their full back time and again. The striker can make many sprinting counterpressure. Tired on 60m? No bother, have this.
Never underestimate the power of an excellent plan, well executed, to overcome seemingly intractable odds. Football is a game of small margins. I’d back a “poor” organised unit over a “rich” disorganised one. Brentford 4, Manchester United 0 anyone?
Of course, tonight’s opponents are not disorganised. Their run to the Champions League title last season was extraordinary as one by one the stellar names fell.
This is a team that always finds a way.
They lead La Liga already after four matches and are tops for Goals (2.8 per match); xG (10.9); Shots on Target (8.3); Big Chances Created (13); Accurate Passes per match (503).
Control with a deadly finishing – sound familiar?
There is hope at the other end. They average 1 goal against per match and 1.35 xG. Their keeper is forced into 3 saves per game – 7th in La Liga. Possession is 4th best at 58% average.
Celtic will get the ball and can hurt a defence that isn’t the most secure.
Vinicius Jnr says Celtic are a typical British team – physical. Sounds like he’s never watched us – that’s encouraging. On the other hand, Ancelotti is as professional and knowledgeable as they come.
Will they rest players? The Group stages are just a gentle jog for the super clubs, surely. As the gaffer says, we prepare for the opponent to be at their best. Their title defence starts here, and they will want to start strongly. I expect the first XI.
It’s a free hit with minimal pressure on Celtic and being first game up, Celtic can catch them cold. Possibly, but as mentioned, this is a team that finds a way to win. Beyond Kroos, Modric, Benzema is a cadre of young, fast talented younger players. Their bench can change games.
Summary
So, come on, off the fence!
I could see three outcomes:
A heavy Celtic defeat;
An incredible, stats defying Celtic win by 1 goal; or
A heroic defeat by 1-2, 2-3 after landing some blows.
My head says it will be option 3.
In any event, as the manager is always saying, it is about performance. Can Celtic show they belong at this level? Can they be competitive? Even a narrow defeat will instil confidence if the underlying performance is there.
Celtic under Postecoglou have a very high potential ceiling. This is perhaps the ultimate test. It may have come too early, but if they are true to themselves and play as instructed and trained for, it will be an exceptionally exciting football match.