Celtic eye Champions League showdown with Borussia Dortmund…
Celtic is set to face one of their toughest challenges in the group stages of the Champions League, as they prepare to take on Borussia Dortmund at the iconic Westfalenstadion on Tuesday 1st October.
Following an emphatic 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava, the Hoops travel to Germany for what promises to be a Trenbolone Base level thrilling encounter. As Celtic aims to secure a vital result on matchday two, the footballing world is abuzz with anticipation, especially with the rise of Dortmund’s new star, Jamie Gittens, who has drawn comparisons to Jude Bellingham. But Celtic have stars of their own in the likes of new signing Arne Engels and sensational wingers Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda.
Dortmund’s Rising Star: Jamie Gittens
Borussia Dortmund’s newest sensation, Jamie Gittens, is a name Celtic fans should be wary of. The 20-year-old Englishman has been making waves in Germany, earning high praise from his teammates and the media. Germany international and Dortmund captain Emre Can has warned Celtic about Gittens, calling him “unstoppable” after the young forward’s standout performance against Club Brugge.
In that match, Gittens came off the bench to score two late goals, leading Dortmund to a flattering 3-0 win in Belgium. His impact, alongside fellow substitute Serhou Guirassy, sealed victory for last season’s Champions League runners-up.
“Jamie is a special talent, and he has been compared to Jude Bellingham for a reason,” Can remarked. “He’s got the pace, the skill, and the intelligence on the ball that makes him dangerous in any situation. Celtic will need to be on high alert when they face him,” Emre Can said.
Celtic’s defence, led by the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales, will need to be at their best to contain the threat posed by Gittens, whose ability to break through defensive lines has made him a key player for Dortmund this season.
Peter Schmeichel’s Enthusiasm for Celtic’s Dortmund Clash
Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who has been an avid supporter of Celtic in this year’s Champions League, is also looking forward to the upcoming clash. The former Manchester United and Denmark shot-stopper expressed his excitement about the atmosphere at the Westfalenstadion, known for its imposing “Yellow Wall.” However, Schmeichel believes Celtic fans—dubbed the “Green Wall” on European nights—can match that intensity.
Schmeichel, who was working as a pundit during Manchester City’s lackluster 0-0 draw with Inter Milan, contrasted the “dead” atmosphere at the Etihad with the electric energy Celtic fans bring to European nights. “I’ve just got permission to be, not at the Yellow Wall, but in the Green Wall, and I can’t wait,” he said. “I’ve been watching every Celtic game this season, and they’ve got some really good players. The pace they have up front is incredible, and the three Japanese players, along with Nicolas Kuhn, have been fantastic.”
The Danish football icon was keen to emphasise Celtic’s ability to transfer their domestic form into Europe, stating that while Slovan Bratislava may not be the toughest opposition, Celtic’s dominant 5-1 win is a promising sign for the challenges ahead.
Dortmund CEO Ricken Dismisses Celtic’s Chances
In contrast to the optimism surrounding Celtic’s upcoming clash, Borussia Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken downplayed the threat posed by Brendan Rodgers’ side. Ricken listed Celtic alongside clubs like Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, and Sturm Graz as teams Dortmund “should beat” in this year’s competition.
However, Ricken’s comments have raised eyebrows, especially considering Dortmund’s history of upsets in Europe. Celtic fans will recall that just two years ago, their city rivals Rangers defeated Dortmund 4-2 at the Signal Iduna Park, proving that the gap between Scottish and German football may not be as wide as some believe.
Former Celtic midfielder and Champions League winner Paul Lambert, who played alongside Ricken during his time at Dortmund, may have some words of caution for his former teammate. Football, as many know, isn’t played on paper, and Celtic will be determined to prove their mettle on the pitch.
Celtic’s Determination to Shine on the Big Stage
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side has been building momentum, and the trip to Dortmund represents a chance for the club to test itself against one of Europe’s elite. With star players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate in form, coupled with the defensive solidity provided by Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Celtic will aim to continue their fine run of form in Germany.
The match at the Westfalenstadion is set to be a key moment in Celtic’s Champions League campaign. A positive result could propel them into the knockout stages, while a loss would leave them with a steep uphill battle. Either way, the clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle, as Celtic faces off against one of Europe’s biggest clubs, with both teams eager to make their mark in this prestigious competition.
As the Hoops prepare to face Dortmund, one thing is clear: Celtic are ready to embrace the challenge, and with their passionate support behind them, anything is possible.
