Celtic today announced that their home match against Lazio in the UEFA Champions League group stages on Matchday Two is a complete sell-out. Tonight the Bhoys begin their latest European foray with a clash against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, but next time out we will host the Italian’s at Celtic Park.

This year we have been slightly more fortunate that previous years on the face of it, with Feyernoord, Atletico Madrid and Lazio providing the competition this time at the top table. It remains to be seen though if the Hoops can do any better than last year and finish with more than two points, and even perhaps get knockout football after Christmas time.

We are no stranger to the Serie A side as we have beaten them both home and away in recent times. During our Europa League run of 2019/20, we beat them at Parkhead 2-1 after coming from a goal down and likewise, the reverse fixture in Rome saw the same happen, with Olivier Ntcham getting the winning goal with a deft chip over the onrushing goalkeeper.

The announcement from Celtic today read:

“A strong support awaits when Celtic face Lazio at Paradise on Wednesday, October 4, with tickets for Matchday 2 of the Bhoys’ UEFA Champions League group stage campaign now sold-out.

“The Celts get their UCL adventure underway tonight having travelled to face Feyenoord in their opening game of the competition, and will be looking to kick-on when they return home to a packed Paradise to continue their Champions League campaign next month.

“The world famous atmosphere at Celtic Park on European nights is unrivalled, and a packed Paradise in full voice getting behind Glasgow’s green and white is vital.”

🏟 #CelticLazio is officially SOLD OUT!

We look forward to welcoming you all to Celtic Park for another exciting #UCL campaign and thank you once again for your incredible support! 🙌🍀

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 19, 2023

Hopefully with a full-house shouting and cheering us on we can repeat the feat of 2019 and come away with all three points. There’s no doubting it’s a tremendously difficult task but just like last time, nobody will be expecting us to pull off major shocks like that and that’s exactly what could give us the edge and work in our favour.

Paul Gillespie