On the back of Celtic’s 100% start to the domestic campaign – one that’s seen them score 17 goals and concede just once in six matches – there’s a confidence, an energy, and some serious momentum coursing through Brendan Rodgers’ side.
An altogether different challenge begins tonight though, as the Bhoys return to European football in the newly-revamped Champions League.
This stage provides the real test of just how far we’ve progressed in the season or so since Rodgers returned to the hotseat and brings an opportunity for the manager to address a European record that’s in stark contrast to his domestic success.
For clarity, he has overseen 18 Champions League Group games for Celtic. He has won just two.
The hope – and dare I say expectation – however, is that tonight’s clash with Slovan Bratislava will see another result added to that win column.
Make no mistake about it, if we’re to have genuine aspirations of progress among Europe’s elite then a win over the Slovakians is simply a must.
And while based on our recent record we have no right to expect a win against ANY European opposition, this vibrant looking Celtic side, complete with a flurry of smart summer additions, will be confident of three points at a packed Celtic Park.
With every respect to the Slovaks, tougher tests await just around the corner with Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta and Leipzig providing the opposition for our next three European fixtures.
On that basis alone Celtic are duly obliged to secure the win tonight, and to provide a solid platform for the remaining seven games.
Incredibly, in 12 attempts Celtic have yet to win an opening fixture in the Champions League.
However, under Rodgers’ guidance it feels like several things are changing at Celtic Park just now. Let’s hope that record is one of them.
Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange
