Celtic’s last six results across three separate competitions sets up an exciting return of fixtures when the Hoops return from dreary international break…
Brendan Rodgers’ side are in magnificent form, and the November internationals seem to have come at the wrong time for the Scottish champions. Results could not have went any better in the last month or so.
Celtic in brilliant form
Not only do Celtic sit at the foot of the table having won 10 of their 11 opening league matches, progression to the Scottish League Cup final against theRangers has been secured following a top-quality showing versus Aberdeen in the semi-final, and the Hoops are potentially one match away from guaranteed qualification for the knockout play-off rounds of the Champions League after picking up an incredible four points in matches against Atalanta and RB Leipzig.
At the beginning of October’s internationals, Celtic had hit a slight dip in performance levels. Rodgers’ men had been on the receiving end of a 7-1 demolishing in Dortmund, and they had to grind out a late winner in Dingwall.
Brendan’s Plan B worked well in Bergamo
The Celtic boss clearly used that period to come up with a plan B for his side in Europe when preparing to face the ominous task of Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta. That old-fashioned, determined, catenaccio type display in Bergamo against the Europa League holders was admirable. The way Celtic dug in merited a point on the road and a rare clean sheet on the continent. It also gave the belief that the players could go on and do what they did against Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig a fortnight later.
Routine wins over Motherwell and Dundee
Routine league victories at Fir Park and then Dundee in Glasgow’s East End three days later were assured, controlled performances. They also gave Rodgers the chance to rotate, and use his squad wisely, something that the Irishman did not have the luxury of last season.
Bursting Aberdeen’s Bubble
Thereafter came the two finest outings of the season thus far for the Hoops. Firstly, blitzing Jimmy Thelin’s unbeaten Dons at Hampden 6-0. The flair and interchanging play were too tough to handle for an Aberdeen side who were blown away by Celtic’s quality.
RB Leipzig left pointless in Champions League
A replication of that kind of performance came a few days later when Celtic produced their best Champions League performance in 12 years. It was the first time we had beaten a team from a top five nation since Barcelona in 2012. A first victory over a German side in Europe’s elite club competition. In beating Leipzig, Celtic will know heading into their encounter with Belgian champions Club Brugge that a win would put them on 10 points – the lucky number for reaching one of those illusive top 24 spots.
Uncomfortable afternoon at Rugby Park handled well
Notably, an uncomfortable 2-0 win at Rugby Park capped off a challenging run of games. Kilmarnock undoubtedly deserved more from the match, but as Rodgers stated post-match, his Celtic side last year would have dropped points in that type of game. This team are built different and are stronger in every department a season on.
When Celtic do return to competitive action, the excitement will build once again. More huge league matches including trips to Tynecastle and Pittodrie await. A Scottish League Cup final in the middle of December, and two Champions League clashes before the end of the year. You better fasten your seatbelt!
Conor Spence
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