I thought it would be worth looking at our next Champions League qualification opponents from the Cluj-Maccabi Tel-Aviv tie. The Romanians won their home leg 1-0, leaving the outcome wide open.
With 3.5 coefficient points, Cluj look like a dangerous non-seed. They eliminated Astana, who have 27.5 points (Celtic have 31), in the first round and hold that slim advantage over Maccabi Tel-Aviv, who have 16 points, but there are signs in the detail that these results flatter.
Celtic twice faced strong Kazak opposition in recent years but not only did this Astana team lose to Cluj, they managed only a 0-0 draw in the Europa League qualifiers in Andorra this week. On the face of it, this result looks a bit like Celtic’s afternoon in Gibraltar three years ago, but unlike Celtic then, Astana 19 games into their season. It looks like the fizz has flowed out of Kazak football, to the benefit of Cluj.
Both Cluj and Maccabi Tel-Aviv were in close season over the summer, but their preparations could not have been more different. Before their game this mid-week, Cluj played five friendlies, a Super Cup game, two qualifiers against Astana and two domestic league games. Maccabi Tel-Aviv arrived in Romania having played only three friendlies and a Super Cup game since May.
After 10 games, the Cluj squad would have been near full fitness. After four, not many of the Maccabi squad will have played a complete 90 minute game. Cluj are ready, Maccabi are not.
Celtic will have played nine games, including our opening league encounter, by the third round. Not as many as Cluj, but we will be well up to speed. I remember taking a look at AEK Athens this time last year and getting an ominous feeling. The draw has been significantly kinder this time.
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GFTB
1986 away top was my first top, loved it and the memories of our street going mental as the news from Love st came in.
HH
Dbhoy 11.47pm
Terrific memories, we were playing at an under-16 five a side tournament ??
A few cracking goals that day
That strip always reminds of that game
AlbertKiddCSC
Best strip imo white with green sleeves with the shamrock ☘️ on it HH
It has to be said – 3 of the Worst ever Celtic strips.
The Home just disnae look right.
Stop messing with the best.
The Away is the least disappointing out of the 3 – that disnae say much howevaaaah.
The 3rd. LOL.
Sproston Green
Oasis- Gas panic…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D431CwC9wTw
HH
We are going for another 9 in a Row. This is the wan for the 10.
Just heard that a work colleague that I used to slag and banter with, because he was a bluenose, has been found dead tonight, after being missing for 3 weeks. 32 years old.
God rest his soul.
Gregor Gibbons RIP
Away Taps…….?
The Black Magic………….
Could wear it to the gemme, the shops, the dancin’ or Mass…………..
Still got it, still fits….( just).
HH.
Give me 13 in a row please. 55 for Celtic will stop their pish.
DD
Good to see you on. Far to young, may he RIP
HH
*Too
DBhoy
Too many young Scots losing their lives. What’s going on?
D.D.
Sorry to hear your confronting news.
RIP Gregor, if he had good nature banter with you Garry, he was obviously a Good Rangers dude.
I hope you are as well as can be Big Chap.
I know Celtic getting 9 will help a wee bit and I know Celtic getting 10 will help a wee bit more.
WOW Dolores
DD
Read somewhere a few years ago that males in Glasgow area have lowest life expectancy of anywhere in Europe. As for the causes, not sure what’s doing the most damage.
Alcohol and other drug addiction would probably be a major factor.
HH
DD- it’s an epidemic…………huge sadness.
Nice to see ye in The Dear Green Place.
HH
He was found in the River Kelvin at Kilsyth. Why?
Paolo Nutini – Dirty Old Town…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc7Kq_CGWxA
HH
D.D.
Perhaps a lack of spirituality in their lives could be a contributing factor .
Our parents and forefathers understood what some , these days , have let slide or rejected.
DBhoy
Glasgow is awash with cheap cocaine. It is a horrible drug.
MacJay
Saint Paul’s Whiteinch was our education.
Stella Maris our inspiration.
DD
Dabbled when I was younger ( 20 odd years ago ) , agree, it’s a curse.
Gives folk ridiculously inflated sense of self, conversing with folk on it is enjoyable as a trip to the dentist.
HH
the verve – so it goes…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XyuuDky0Vy8
HH
Donald Trump has unlike most Politicians delivered on his policies in America. I still don’t know if he is Good. ;)
I watched the Jacob fella bat away the questions, yes I am sad, watching Parliament. He is perfect for that position.
He is always following Papal Bulls when the Progressive questions come away frae the Restrictive HOC. I’d rather he let rip, as I suspect, he thinks like me on certain things.
My Dad is more annoyed by Jacobs tone I reckon than his jibber jabber, Again I might be spectacularly wrong.
Petec
Boris and Donald are actors. They run feck all. They are their masters puppets.
Welcome to the Machine
Pink Floyd CSC xx
Cracking song with beautiful sentiments relevant to some chatter tonight…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kCntEnZD3NE&list=RDkCntEnZD3NE&start_radio=1
HH
DD , trying to stay off CQN, actually saw police cordon at Kilsyth today , sorry for your loss , kin poor guy and his family! Supposed it puts crap arguments into perspective!
Garry,
You are likely Right, we All need to Pray for Our Leaders – Prayer is now obsolete isn’t it. The Big Man has been phased oot Big Time. Madonna and the Material World jibber Jabber makes sure of that.
Hopefully when we throw a brick @ the Windae the Wall of Glass disnae Shatter. It’s a miracle.
We are getting what we deserve I’m afraid to say.
Weebawb
It is his wife and family I feel for now.
His whole life in front of him at 32.
So sad.
You have no idea the Power of Prayer.
The Family Unit is the Most Powerful against the bad wans intentions….. Last Resort the Power of Prayer is Unbeatable.
We wrestle not against Flesh or Blood but against Spiritual wickedness in very high places.
It is not right what is going on but it is a consequence of Ignoring the Almighty.
Judge not Lest ye be Judged.
That is the Truth of a Creator.
Delaneys…am so sorry for yer friend…but that’s his story told…not yours…u understand? Great to see you posting friend
Scaniel….glad you’re both well…that is a scary story….hopefully the burgler gets his…glad you’ve not been put off Turkey
Amazing to see all the posts seeing us next round against Cluj…this is foitball not the bookies…still another 90mins to put the tie to bed…be interesting to see how Lenny sets us up for the next leg
H.H.
Garry,
That is Life,
I reckon you will see the Good Man in far off places.
I know you are worried by those left behind. Just be there.
D.D. 1.08
More appropriate than you could imagine .
Stella Maris.
My uncle was P.P. at Our Lady Star of the Sea , Largs .
I know you are worried for those left behind.
Sorry.
TLT
Exactly pal. Hope all good wi you.
Little Red- Rock it…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rVFvu3d65lA
HH
Am doing fine DD…we have been worried about you…understandably