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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Only Celtic can dispute the most successful club in the world claim which is a brand issue
I think Celtic should use the last days of the transfer window to strengthen the first team and/or prepare for next years CL qualifiers. ON has been a brilliant buy, Eboue is looking good, a back up for Craig in case of injury and back up for KT because he gets kicked several times in every game. (although Calvin Miller may play that role)
CANAMALAR
Indeed they could dispute it, just as they could make an official announcement regarding the inappropriate use of the term ‘Old Firm’.
I can’t see it happening though.
GLENDALYSTONSILS on 26TH AUGUST 2017 1:24 PM
‘Celtic have made no statement regarding the continuity myth. Neither has any other club in Scotland.’
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That should be of concern to the fans of those Clubs.
I’m not a fan of any of them.
And, it’s probably just me having unrealistic expectations, but I would at one time have expected Celtic to take the lead on this. As one half of The Old Firm, if for no other reason.
I no longer have any such expectations.
£49.
Suck it up.
ERNIE LYNCH
I believe it is of concern to fans of at least some of the other clubs, if statements e.g. from Aberdeen and Hearts fans are anything to go by. Of course it is up to these groups to take the matter up with their respective boards.
GLENDALYSTONSILS on 26TH AUGUST 2017 1:43 PM
And doubtless those fans will be fobbed off with ‘Well Celtic haven’t said anything, and it affects them more than us, so why should we do anything?’
Doors to manual……
Happy to announce that Partick is Green and White today.
COYBIG
LIVE UPDATES UP
BABISONICOS71
Saw your – Brushy One String -link , last night .
This, is his father—
https://youtu.be/C4Pc-pVL6oE
CQN Saturday Naps Competition
Lads, for those in the CQN Naps Competition, please post your Week 4 selection here:
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/olympiakos-anderlecht-or-besiktas-please/comment-page-20/#comments
Cheers, fleagle1888