Celtic have enjoyed a historic Europa League campaign this season. They are already guaranteed to finish the group stage at the top of their group after managing to claim 13 points from a possible 15 and are on a four-game winning streak in the competition at the moment. In fact, they broke the Scottish record this season after managing to qualify for the group stage after just four games.
On Thursday, Neil Lennon’s side will travel to Romania to take on CFR Cluj in the last game of the group stage. While Celtic have already qualified, only one among Cluj and Lazio will go through to the knockout phase depending on the results on Thursday. While Cluj are on 9 points at the moment, Lazio are on 6. But a loss at the hands of Celtic and a win for Lazio will see the Italian side qualify. It is notable though that the Hoops have decided to rest a number of their key stars fresh off of their Scottish League Cup win on Sunday.
Thus, Celtic have a tough choice to make on Thursday. On one hand they can gain revenge for their elimination from the Champions League qualification phase at the hands of CFR Cluj earlier this season. On the other hand, they have the opportunity to ensure Lazio’s elimination from the competition, a team no one in Glasgow will have any liking for after the events that look place during the matchdays between the two sides.
Speaking ahead of the game, Dan Petrescu had only good things to say about his Scottish oopponents.As reported by The Scottish Sun, the Cluj manager said:
“In my opinion they can go all the way and win.
“I think Lazio, too – they are good enough to win this competition. They are both Champions League teams.
“Celtic can bring their third team to the Romanian Championship and they would still win so they are still the favourites.
“I’m sure they won’t come here for a draw this time. I know the coach, I know the mentality. They will come here to win.”
This is nothing new for Petrescu though as he had made similar statements ahead of the second leg between the two sides in the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualification phase. We all know how that game ended. But considering Celtic’s recent form, the Cluj manager could be right this time around.
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