Two clubs from outside the top five wealthy leagues reached the quarter finals last season but Benfica were drawn against another team from outside the big five, Zenit St Petersburg. Apoel Nicosia eliminated Lyon in the last 16 on penalties (we should be practicing penalties every week between now and then).
Two teams, Basel (who earlier eliminated Manchester United) and Bayer Leverkusen (who eliminated Valencia), lost seven goals in one game in the first knockout round last season. This tournament retains an ability to be harsh and unforgiving at every moment. Leverkusen actually conceded 10 to Barcelona over two games.
Apoel Nicosia conceded eight to Real Madrid in the quarters. The Cypriot team held things together for as long as they could but failed to reach group stage of the Europa League this season, going out at the hands of Neftchi Baku (Azerbaijan).
Our seven potential opponents, all from the top five leagues, will each present an enormously difficult challenge but some are easier than others. Our biggest advantage is our own position. Those seven clubs will each underestimate Celtic, we have by far the lowest coefficient of all teams left in the tournament.
Thanks for the great support for the CQN Annual. You can order online here!
We are enormously outgunned and inexperienced at this level but we know a few things:
We can defend under incredible pressure.
We can score, home and away, against anyone.
We cannot retain possession. This is not a good thing, but it is an acknowledged weakness, so we know not to plan to retain possession. If in doubt, laces through the ball and get into position.
Our opponents will know we have the tallest team in the competition. Height is an advantage until your opponent learns how you use it. During the first half on Wednesday Celtic tried to repeat the corner kick success we enjoyed against Barcelona and Benfica but Spartak had read the script. We will be unlikely to score the same goal again in Europe. A fresh plan is needed.
The Spartak goal is a real lesson. This is not a goal we would have conceded against a far superior Barcelona. We had a 1-0 lead and our entire left flank was exposed, compromising a winning position. We can leave our left flank exposed at Kilmarnock tomorrow but this kind of laissez-faire defending came within 8 minutes of eliminating us on Wednesday and will do so in the next round if repeated.
Penalty kicks determined the outcome of 50% of Champions League knockout ties last season (20% after games, 30% during games). No amount of practice is too much.
Planning for the quarter finals starts now.
The next issue of CQN Magazine will be out next week. If you would like to advertise get in touch, advert@cqnmagazine.co.uk.
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Off oot
before i get bitten by the BIG apathy bug !
Hail Hail
God Bless
laters…
I have a feeling my book about Compost making for Idiots is going to be more interesting reading than the next few hours of CQN.
G’night.
kitalba
Vojvodina: the most difficult team for us in 67.
Charlie Gallacher could fairly take corners, eh?
;o)
Shieldmuir Celtic
12:30 on 7 December, 2012
If we get a good offer should we sell any of our big players?
WGS
Agree with you oan Miku,
Miku took his goal at Utd with sheer class, the boy needs time tae settle…
Look at big Wilson first season to how he’s playing now…..
Given time he’ll be a star
Vmhan – Christmas is that magical time of year when Philvis Don Drapers up the office party by getting pie-eyed on the finest of booze the receptionist could find at Aldis and re-enacting the key moments from “Gangnam Style” for the delight and edification of the girls in Procurement.
(thumbsup)
up_over_goal
12:26 on 7 December, 2012
Great team….
kitalba
>>>>
Be sure to tell us what you learn…the more idiotic compost, the better.
Anyone know if Celtic are selling tickets for Hibs away on 29th Dec or if Hibs are selling directly to our fans?
I can’t find it on either website.
Cheers
While watching the game the other night when Kayal was booked I was all for subbing him and bringing on Rogne then moveing Efe to midfield as he was getting the run around and looked the weak link I honestly think Rogne is a better centre back than efe.H.H.
Kitalba
Why are you perpetuating it then? Am I not allowed to defend myself?
Yesterday my first post was in response to Awe Naw accusing me of making a post I didn’t make. Trying to deceive everyone by portraying me as a Henrik hater who grudged him getting a testimonial !!!
He was called out.
The computer whizzkid who has been able to link to archives in the past claimed that he couldn’t. Then apologized.
Then started accusing me again!
He was one of many making spurious claims about me with nothing to back it up.
When called out they all bolted.
You know what. To hell with this.
Joe Ledely
When Broonie had to go off with about 10min remaining the other night, I was so glad we had a player of Joe’s calibre that could come on. He may not be having his best period with us, but Joe is a great team player. For me, he ticks all the boxes.
;o)
Jduffy132, WGS,
Agree with both of you. If Miku can settle he’ll be a big hit, quality player.
Telling you if we end up losing Hooper in summer, then i reckon Miku ideal replacement with a Joaquin Boghassain beside.
I hope Hooper and Wanyama extend their contracts. Keep this team together for a few years, then sky could be limit with the obvious building each year to keep it ticking over.
KevJungle you said –
Who saw Neil the night that the transfer window closed ?
To me he looked like he had been hit by a train. Hmmmm
Is this the same Neil who said today
“I wouldn’t envisage spending a lot of money, don’t think I need to. Pretty happy with squad I have got.”
WGS, I would love to see the team stay together and see where we can go with it, but if Hooper or Wanyama want to go, and we get an acceptable offer, then it is better to let them go, with our thanks for their efforts. And a very large transfer fee to re-invest in the team.
Hoopers finish the other night was quality. Tough finish that was made look easy. Keeper never had time to set himself.
To single out ANY Celtic player for criticism in a week like this is pitiful.
For the object of their abuse to be Joe Ledley is hard to take on board.
Goldstar joins a very tiny band of Celtic men who believe that the Welshman does not do a very effective job for the club.
He completes a sad triumverate,
I know absolutely nothing about Goldstar.
However, I will bet every penny I have that neither of the other two has ever actually seen Joe in the flesh.
They are clowns who cannot just enjoy ‘these best of all possible times’.
They need a whipping bhoy.
Ignore them.
Goldstar,
Shining — brilliant. Thanks LOL.
Izzy. We all have our opinions and we all are entitled to them there are certain posters on CQN who like to stir it and have a good old rammy with other posters.With these posters you are best not to take the bait and just ignore them.I like a lot of what you post but not everyone will agree . I have my own opinions which im comfortable with but accept they are not everyones take on things.H.H.
I’ll get on this bandwagon : many a time, Joe Ledley is an unsung hero….his footballing nous has carried us forward many a time, and has spared us many a blush.
He’s the epitome of the quiet man, and he goes about his job with no fanfare.
Why else would anyone think he’s on the first-team sheet with such regularity?
And yes, I’ve seen him play, live, and been well impressed.
So there.
KTF.
Kilbowie Kelt – I don’t like Gary Hooper’s hair. (thumbsup)
kitalba@12:18
Wonderful memories. My father said when Billy McNeil scored with the header he’d never heard a roar like it in his life
His thoughts were similar to Bob Crampsey’s on Vojvodina. They were the best team Celtic played in the whole competition
To clarify. ’To hell with this’ refers to the nonsense, not Paul67s site.
izzy 12:26 doesn’t see the contradiction in moaning about someone else’s negativity.
up_over_goal
12:26 on 7 December, 2012
Ledley for Mulgrew and Sammi for Watt in that formation. Best performance of the season was at Motherwell with that 4-3-3, Forrest & Commons supporting Hooper.
For once I agree with you, Philvis.
:¬)))
WGS. I think Hoopers goal the other night was class and I believe he didnt have time to think he just put his laces through the ball I think were hes not so good is where hhe gets time on the ball.I also see where your comeing from with Miku he reminds me a bit of Ive forgoten his name ( an old age moment ) the german who played up fromt in the Tommy
Was there not some guy on the other evening who claimed he was quitting CQN due to Kojo?
That’s how you do flouncing. (thumbsup)
Tommy burns managerial time at Celtic Park.H.H.
Andreas Thom (Another quality player)
has anyone any update regarding young mr. forrest? if he’s fit in time, i think he might add a wee bit to our push for london ;-)
bbg
Andreas Thom is the name I couldnt remember.H.H.
Walter Cardighun, if you happen to be reading this
You say that the hatred towards your club can’t be good for Scottish football
Do you think that your club’s and fans’ hatred towards Catholics, Irish people, anything related to Celtic, and just about anyone else who doesn’t live in a 300 year old time warp or wear a bowler hat, is good for Scottish football?
Your club has spent decades with the specific intent on making enemies anywhere it and it’s rabble followers go, but that’s ok because you are ra peepil.
If it really bothers you then i suggest you start closer to home. Clean the inside and outside of your club with a brillo pad to get rid of nastiness that inflicts it, then you might see a change in attitude from others.
I have to hold my hands up. I dont think Charlie Mulgrew has a nailed down position, not being mobile enough for left back and is not a natural centre half. But the guy has been a major part of our CL success. He has energy to burn, his work ethic is unquestionable and his deliveries are deadly. I see Charlie as a utility player who has come on leaps and bounds against first class opposition, as have Lustig, Forster and Wanyama.
hh
I also think Gary Hooper is likely to be sold in January unless he signs a new contract.H.H.
Ntassoolla
12:58
izzy 12:26 doesn’t see the contradiction in moaning about someone else’s negativity.
>You’re either not very bright or you are doing your usual stirring.
Or both as I suspect.
HH
I m feeling guilty bout our Kris Commons. I recall at the time on wed thinking, bad challenge, send the guy off and good on you Kris , you stay down and kill some time…
Oops when I saw the injury!!
Sorry Kris…
Get well soon..
HH