My takeaways from Celtic’s heart-palpitating 1-0 victory over BSC Young Boys to secure Champions League knockout playoffs…

Historic night for Brendan
Celtic have reached the knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 12 years. On the subject of firsts, Celtic will play double digit games in the Champions League courtesy of the new format. Loris Benito’s 86th minute own goal was Celtic’s 10th goal of their campaign – the first time the Hoops have reached this fate since season 2003/2004.

Unbeaten in five Champions League matches since the 7-1 defeat to Dortmund in early October, Celtic are now on their longest unbeaten run in the Champions League/European Cup in 53 years. For the chequebook, Celtic’s 1-0 win over the Swiss champions guarantees £1.8m alone and coupled with finishing in the top 24, £4m will also be added to this season’s accumulative total which will boost the clubs’ coffers. On the pitch Celtic are finally reaching expectations in European football’s top tier competition, and they are now reaping the rewards as a result off it. Aren’t these the reasons why Brendan returned?
Take a bow Kasper
Kasper Schmeichel signed a one-year contract extension yesterday morning, and his top-class performance last night exemplifies why it is was so crucial Celtic keep a hold of their Great Dane for another season. The 38-year-olds exceptional double save to deny Darian Males in the second half at 0-0 is one of the biggest factors in why Celtic are now sitting on those elusive 12 points with a two-legged knockout in February guaranteed.
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Indeed, it may sound obvious but Kasper is a prime example of what having an elite goalkeeper in the Champions League can do to increasing your chances of being successful. Schmeichel’s shutout versus Young Boys was Celtic’s first Champions League clean sheet at Paradise since 2012 against Benfica – 22 matches ago. It is now three clean sheets in five games for Celtic’s no.1 in the new 36-team format. That solid foundation out with the Dortmund encounter has been equally impressive as the firepower at the top end of the pitch.
Nothing to fear at Villa Park
Relief. That was the palpable emotion at full-time last night. But there is no reason Brendan Rodgers’ side cannot go down to Birmingham next week and make another dent in this season’s historic campaign. The overconfidence from Villa supporters and the media down south is not overly surprising. Maeda missing will be a big blow for Celtic but having sealed top 24, the pressure is certainly not on the visitors.
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There is an expectation that Unai Emery’s men with 13 points can secure a top eight finish with a victory. That is pressure. On the other hand, Celtic are only one point off their counterparts in the elongated league table. How sweet would finishing our campaign with three points on English soil be?
The players must believe through executing a structured game-plan they absolutely can cause Villa problems in six days’ time and more importantly achieve a landmark result.
Conor Spence
