Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain will bring some autumn glamour to Glasgow in the Champions League group stage. Bayern are second favourites for the trophy, PSG, fifth. The challenge to reach the knock out stage could scarcely be greater.
Anderlecht, by comparison, offer substantially less-ominous opposition, but a quick glance at their European form will dissuade anyone from underestimating the Belgian champions.
The group bears a remarkable resemblance to Celtic’s 2003 Champions League group, the last time we faced Bayern and Anderlecht, with another French side, Lyon, ending up as group winners. All four teams finished within three points, with Bayern and Lyon both winning the final games by a single goal – dropped points would have seen them eliminated. Celtic qualified for the Uefa Cup, courtesy of a superior head-to-head record against Anderlecht.
Anderlecht started last season slowly (as they have this season), failing to reach the Champions League group stage, but that only spurred them on for a memorable Europa League campaign. In Europe’s second-tier tournament, they won away in Azerbaijan before recording draws in France (St Etienne) and Germany (Mainz, whom they beat 6-1 in Brussels). Fortunate form for trips to those two territories this term.
They knocked-out Zenit and APOEL Nicosia in the first two Europa League rounds before being eliminated 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-final by Manchester United. Those are very decent European results, but it you want some comfort, Ajax went all the way to the final 14 weeks ago, and they were beaten home and away by Rosenborg this month. It’s not about what you did yesterday that counts.
At Celtic Park, we have a punchers’ chance against Bayern and PSG, but our measure of progress this season will be determined by results against Anderlecht. The night we beat them 3-1 in 2003 counts as one of our great Champions League performances, the stadium rose to a man and blew the Belgian champions away. Watch the highlights if you are in any doubt about this.
The 2003 1-0 defeat by 10 men in Brussels still rankles as an underachievement. Losing to an 86th minute goal in Munich, after being ahead with 17 minutes to go, and losing to an 86th minute penalty in Lyon, leaves me feeling we have some scores to settle.
Let’s take them this time, Brendan. You know you can…
NEW CQN PODCAST – PAUL DYKES PRESENTS WITH FORMER CELTIC CAPTAIN ANDY LYNCH AND SPECIAL GUEST PAT STANTON
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I have no doubt that BR will prioritise our CL games over everything else this season. Hh
GFTB
I keep waiting for Connor McGregor to come out with the John Lydon question.
“Ever get the feeling you have been conned?”
Art of War , I hope your mother in law is as comfortable as possible in the Royal.
Gutenberg
My opposition to the academic cabal has cost me. Its a closed shop. I battle on in my own way:)
Prejudice is a sickness in Scotland.
HH
AoW
Only the gay bhoys in my class didnae get a rise for Miss Williams. That blonde beauty was gorgeous and she knew it. McGarvey snicked her. Lucky bassa.
Conor McGregor looks as if he’s almost convinced himself he can win.
Don’t believe the hype.
DD 11.27pm
I know little of boxing apart from a few pals who box :-)
UFC ??? Again my knowledge is zero a jazzed up WWF, in my limited knowledge I think Connor might be chasing shadows and Mayweather will choose when the fight ends
AoW a few people that work near me think he is sound, but I just keep myself to myself and smile at the Sevs, by the way even though am still a newbie they are so easy to pick out, it’s more fun that way :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNXtqNNB77g
You`ll do noot`in .
Delaney’s , Kirk Brandon of Theatre of Hate/Spear of Destiny played the function room in the Village Inn in East Kilbride.
Him and a Cello player on stage. 2 pals of mine are at the gig.Its good you have got your Munich trip sorted.
Junior has come in from his part time job to tell me he is planning to go to Paris for our game. His mum doesnt know . Let’s say , she will dissuade him from going .
How is your mum?
DD,
Con Carnage ;-))
Looking forward to the game tomorrow and a few pints in Babbitty bowsers afterwards
Good evening all,
Just popped in to say Thank You for the birthday wishes. They were very much appreciated. Had a wonderful evening with my daughter and family. All going well, will be at the game tomorrow. If so, will be at the “corner” about 2.00 pm. Once again, Thank You. HH
Wits in town tomorrow night. Might join you for a jar. Hh
Gordon
Good man.
I am meeting Delaneys and Sips in Babbitty bowsers after the game
Angel Gabriel might appear also
Dallas
Saw SOD in Rooftops I think?
Kirk was dynamite.
My mam is doing well because her Bonny Celtic Bhoys are doing well. I got her the Astana programme from last week. It is her prized possession at the moment. :)
Canny wait for my first visit to Allianz Arena.
Wits Not sure about your very dodgy company but will hopefully see you in in BBs. Hh
Gerryfaethebrig on 25th August 2017 11:36 pm
I know little of boxing apart from a few pals who box :-)
UFC ??? Again my knowledge is zero a jazzed up WWF, in my limited knowledge I think Connor might be chasing shadows and Mayweather will choose when the fight ends
————-
UFC is the complete opposite to WWF, it’s a brutal sport much worse than what boxing has become today., or has ever been.
Saying all that UFC isn’t good watching, personally can’t see how it is popular.
If it was a fight fight then CM would destroy FM but as it’s boxing FM will win easily, though I’m sure they’ll stage manage a rematch.
G64
The dodgier the mair fun.
Would love to meet you again big yin.
TGM
I’m sure you battle well :-))
When I started working I was only the fourth catholic to be employed in a business that had over 250 workers. I decided very early to take them head on and see where it got me.
Better to die fighting etc…
Now, our industry has changed. The sectarianism and bigotry is still there but is hidden and almost beaten. The guys that run the show now are fairly mixed in religion but there are no Huns.
Maybe I got lucky but the difference in 30 years is incredible. In the next 30 years hopefully there will be none of the bigots left.
QF
Stop being a tit!
MWD
The Huddle
Maybe WWF was a bit tongue in cheek but still staged managed as for a fight MacGregor is a street fighter and Mayweather is a boxer …. not many street fighters beat a real boxer, just my uneducated opinion about a total razzmataz box office piece of nonsense :-)
DD I will make a point of frequenting BBs tomorrow night. Hh amigio
Gerryfaethebrig on 25th August 2017 11:58 pm
—————-
I’d say boxing has been more stage managed the last 20 years than any UFC fight. I’d guess that UFC only became a thing because boxing fell to such a low opinion due to corruption.
A quick google of UFC fights will show how fixed they aren’t, they even have woman beating crap out of each other.
Personally I’d never fancy my chances against any size of boxer in the street, but I’d put money on a UFC fighter against the same size of a boxer.
WeeFra
Happy birthday youngin
MWD
THE EXILED TIM on 25TH AUGUST 2017 9:40 PM
Delaneys
“A bit like scottish football then, fake and farcical.”
********************
Na, TET. For it to approach anything like the levels of fakeness and farce of Scottish football, they’d have to be claiming that, in his professional boxing debut, McGregor is hoping to add to his record 50 fights unbeaten in the boxing ring, leaving this guy playing catch-up.
http://boxrec.com/en/boxer/352
G64
Nice one. The mair the merrier.
HH
The Huddle 12.03am
So you fancy Connor to beat Floyd ?
DD
Re your mum and her joy at having the Astana programme.
I’m lucky enough to access the match programmes early so if you want to get one to her before each match just let me know and I’ll see if I can help.
The BBC followed by the rest of the msm said a week ago that Paddy Roberts would be signing a one year loan deal this week.
Paul posted immediately that this was wrong.
At Kilmarnock an ‘ informed’ source told me that Celtic were looking at buying the player and mentioned that City were getting a 40% sell on Clause in the deal.
He also said that if it were a loan deal City would prefer Girona rather than Celtic, the reasoning for this became obvious as the week went by.
So we have three sources
1. The one used by the BBC and followed by the rest of the MSM. Even if it exists it has proved to be wrong.
2. Paul’s source – which is 100% reliable and this is widely known by the MSM yet they choose to completely ignore it.
3. The Kilmarnock source which has the Celtic interest at heart and was more in line with what I had previously heard.
The MSM tomorrow will now write about the expected loan deal not being agreed this week as expected. They were told that was B/S last Friday.
So will Paddy sign?
Well you can be sure of one thing.
You won’t get accurate information on the BBC or in the MSM!
Paddy come home.
Weefra
Hope you are on the big measures now.
Celtic will deliver your Birthday present a day late. 3 points.
HH
Delaney’s , its good to hear our team are not only making us happy as much as your mum.
Nightmoves/Rooftops was a good venue which hosted bands who became popular.
Munich will not know what hits it when you get there .
Gerryfaethebrig on 26th August 2017 12:08 am
The Huddle 12.03am
So you fancy Connor to beat Floyd ?
————-
Nah zero chance, because it’s a boxing fight and FM will do his usual avoid getting hit then land the blows, whereas CM will have to learn/pretend he knows how to box like a professional.
Now if the fight spills outside the ring then CM will destroy him.
I imagine this fight turning into a Rocky v BA Baracus type thing :O)
Gutenberg
You are a gentleman. Thank you.
My mammy loves showing the programme about her nursing home. Half the residents read it. The other half are jealous auld huns. :)
DD
Get my email from Paul67 and contact me. I’ll sort it from there.
ARFC Club Statement.
Further to yesterday’s SPFL disciplinary hearing:
Albion Rovers regret the registration error that precipitated the removal of the club from the Irn Bru cup. We would like to state “it was an honest mistake” and we have since tightened up on administration procedures.
We are naturally disappointed the club will not be progressing to the next round and would like to take this time to apologise to the players and fans for the offence that took place..
In accordance with paragraph 14.4 of the Judicial Panel Protocol, there is no right of appeal in respect of the decision taken by the Tribunal to annul the match.
Accepting and respecting this ruling the club would like to move on and effect more positive outcomes in the future, we thank everyone for their support during a challenging time.
The club looks forward to successful season and thanks all our fans for their continued support.
Albion Rovers FC.
Join the Masons or the Orange Order..
Lets you break the law and walk away laughing.
Dallas- thxm
I was just looking at the MIL tonight and thought “fuck that”! “Nae dignity!”
If that is God’s plan for me then so be it!
I’d rather he reserve me for greater things like saving a bairns life and getting run over by a train in the process.
Craig Gordon would probably let the train in at his near post!
Dallas
It’s that Sipsini wan that Munich should be wary of. :)
My bhoy Ryan was green with envy but happy for me booking Munich trip tonight. Another wan off the bucket list I telt him. Allianz Arena Munich a belter da, he replied. :)
The Huddle 12.12am
Connor signed up for a “boxing” fight, again I know very little but think FM will let CM chase him a bit then finish him off when CM is tired, never thought I would be posting on Cqn about boxing never mind WWF, ah mean UFC :-)
We have our own Champions league fix to post about, it’s as crooked as the rest of the sports :-)
Looks like good weather for all attending Celtic Park for the top of the table clash the morra, everybody going have a great day
Good night n God bless