Celtic Football Club’s story in the UEFA Champions League, originally known as the European Cup, is one of nostalgia…
1967 European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan – Celtic captain Billy McNeill holds aloft the trophy after his team defeated Inter Milan by 2-1 Next to Bill McNeill is the Portuguese President Americo Thomaz who made the presentation to the Celtic captain. Celtic were the first British side to win the European Cup on 25th May 1967 Milan. Photo Imago United Archives International.
In 1967, Celtic became the first British football team to win the European Cup final after beating Inter Milan 2-1 in Lisbon to clinch the trophy, which crowned them kings of Europe and promised greater things to come.
For around five years thereafter Celtic reached numerous semi-finals and one final but couldn’t add to the Lisbon triumph before a period of decline set in and since then things haven’t turned out that great for Celtic in UEFA’s top tier competition, although there have been many notable victories along the way including against Barcelona, AC Milan and Manchester United among others.
Since their historic triumph, the Celtic to win Champions League odds have fallen short of expectations. The story, however, is different on the domestic stage, as the club boasts 54 league titles to its name.
It has reached a point where one has to ask, ‘Can Celtic replicate this success in the Champions League and reclaim their status among Europe’s elite clubs?’
Let’s find out…
An Analysis of Celtic’s Opponents
So far, Celtic has already faced Slovan Bratislava at home, which was won convincingly (5-1), and Borussia Dortmund away, where they lost heavily (7-1). Thus, they have 3 points from 2 games. Let’s analyse the remaining opponents to assess Celtic’s chances of tournament progress.
Atalanta (away), Wednesday 23 October 2024
The current Europa League title holders are known for their aggressive high press, tactical flexibility, and attacking depth. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team usually employs a 3-4-1-2 formation to provide a solid defensive base and allow fullbacks to push up to support attacking plays. Their key players include Ademola Lookman (the favourite to win the CAF award for the African Footballer of the Year) and Charles De Ketelaere, a versatile and creative forward who can disrupt lines with key passes to give his teammates scoring chances.
Based on both teams’ current form, we rate Celtic’s chances very slim. Celtic remain on three points after three games.
RB Leipzig (home), Tuesday 5 November 2024
Leipzig are great at quick counter-attacks, high-intensity pressing, and defending. Marco Rose frequently unleashes his team in a 4-2-2-2 formation, allowing for fluid movement and positional interchanges among players. Their key players include Benjamin Sesko (forward) and Xavi Simons (attacking midfielder).
Just like Atalanta, we rate Celtic’s chances against this in-form team to be very slim although with home advantage Celtic do have a chance. This one could end up honours even, like Celtic’s 2-2 with Atletico Madrid last season. Celtic at this stage expected to have four points after four games.
Club Brugge (home), Wednesday 27 November 2024
Club Brugge has a significant threat in front of goal, a strong midfield with excellent playmakers, and a well-organised backline. The team frequently plays in a 4-3-3 formation with a reliance on wing play, overloads, and high pressing to gain an advantage in matches. Their key players include Hans Vanaken, Andreas Skov Olsen, Christos Tzolis, and in-form goalie Simon Mignolet.
Unlike Atalanta and Leipzig, we’ll say Celtic has a strong chance against Club Brugge. Celtic move up to seven points after five games.
Dinamo Zagreb (away) – Tuesday 10 December 2024
Dinamo Zagreb is known for building the team on promising youth talent, defensive resilience, and a strong home advantage. The team plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which makes it solid in defence and enables it to take advantage of counter-attacks and wide play to beat its opponents. Their key players include Bruno Petković (0ffense), Arijan Ademi (midfield), Martin Baturina (midfield), and Sadegh Moharrami (defense)
Celtic have a fair chance against Dinamo Zagreb to pick up three valuable point away from home and have the Celtic support singing their song: “This is the Day that we win away”. Expect Celtic to be on 10 points after six games.
Young Boys (home) – Wednesday 22 January 2025
The Swiss club had a strong record at home, with players with significant European football experience and attacking prowess. Young Boys typically play in a 4–2–3–1 formation and rely on counter-attacks and wing play.Meshack Elia (winger), Cedric Itten (Striker), Ebrima Colley (Attacking Midfielder), and David von Ballmoos (goalkeeper).
Celtic have a strong chance against Young Boys and should secure another three points to move to 13 points from seven games and that should be enough to qualify.
Aston Villa (away) – Wednesday 29 January 2025
Aston Villa is quick on the counter, has a good record on home ground, and is solid defensively. Unai Emery deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation with a reliance on high pressing and wing play to overwhelm opponents. Emi Martinez (goalkeeper), Youri Tielemans (midfielder), Jhon Duran (forward), and Jacob Ramsey (midfielder).
From the look of things, Celtic has a slim chance of winning against Aston Villa, however Celtic’s record against English sides is good with European wins in England against Liverpool, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and a good draw at Manchester City in 2017. Assuming Celtic fail to pick up anything at Villa Park then they will end the campaign after eight games with 13 points. With a bit of luck that should be enough to see Celtic qualify.
Betting Odds and Expectations
The current Celtic odds to win the Champions League can be summed up in optimism and caution. The odds for Celtic progressing to the knockout stages hover around 9.00, indicating an 11.1% chance of success.
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Expert predictions suggest that while Celtic has shown flashes of potential, the defeat to Dortmund and slim chances against opponents in the forthcoming matches may see it bow out of the competition early.
On the other hand, fans are cautiously optimistic thanks to one win in two games and recent summer signings Arne Engels and Adam Idah. It also helps that three out of their upcoming six fixtures will be on home soil. So, if they can secure crucial points in these matches, the Celtic Champions League run may shock many.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As the season has unfolded, there are certain strengths and areas for improvement we’ve noticed in the team.
Strengths
● Domestic Success: Celtic is a powerhouse in their domestic league with seven wins and a draw in eight matches, but it’s also worth noting that they’ve scored 24 goals and conceded just three so far. This impressive start to the season has earned them the top spot in the league’s standings.
● Effective recruitment strategy: The club is a mix of experienced players and promising youth talent, which shows a savvy approach to financial management and recruitment
● Squad depth: The team has great depth and versatility, which are crucial as they hope to compete in a tough season on the domestic and European stage.
Weaknesses
● Champions League performances: Celtic isn’t doing so well in the UCL, and their most recent defeat of 7-1 to Dortmund says it all. To make matters worse, they still have to face Atalanta, Leipzig, and Aston Villa, and if they lose these matches, it will prove that Celtic isn’t ready to dig it out against elite teams.
● Inconsistencies on the transfer market: Although the team has fared well in recruitment, the delay in certain summer signings leaves question marks regarding the club’s planning and execution.
Chances of Success
We’re going to judge Celtic Champions League odds in three areas:
The Level of Competition
Firstly, the expanded league format of the UCL means two things – more games (which offers more opportunities to qualify for the knockout stages) and increased competition (more teams to play against). Secondly, Celtic has won one out of two games so far, and the remaining six fixtures are against Atalanta, Leipzig, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys, and Aston Villa, all of which are tough opponents for Celtic.
Squad Depth
Celtic has a good squad with several key players, but their depth may be put to the test in the event of injuries and suspensions. Although the team has many promising young players, we’re yet to see if they can hold their own at the highest level.
Management Strategies
Brendan Rodgers is a seasoned manager with a proven track record in European competitions, but he must also maintain his team’s focus throughout the campaign.
Overall, we’ll say that the odds on Celtic to win the league are quite high, but at the very least, they have a chance to qualify for the knockout stages.
Conclusion
Celtic faces a tough challenge in the 2024/25 Champions League campaign, but with an experienced manager in Brendan Rodgers, a talented squad, their track record of causing huge upsets, and the support of their fans behind them, they have a fighting chance. We estimate Celtic securing 13 points from the eight matches and that could be enough to see Celtic make the knockout rounds.
Brendan Rodgers said we should judge his side in the Champions League at the end of January with his target being to make it through the group stages and into the knockout rounds. It’s all to play for as far as Celtic is concerned in the Champions League. As their supporters like to say, COME ON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN!
