Celtic remain in a strong position in the new revamped Champions League format despite a 1-1 draw at home to Club Brugge on Wednesday night…
The Hoops slipped down the table from 15th to 20th following the conclusion of 18 league phase matches on matchday five in Europe’s elite club competition.
Opta Stats make interesting reading
Celtic have accumulated a credible eight points from five matches, and according to Opta Stats, finishing on eight points would give Celtic a 14% chance of reaching the knockout playoffs, nine points increases that percentage to 42% and 10 points almost guarantees double digit fixtures with a 94% likelihood.
Albeit Club Brugge would not be classed as an ‘elite’ side, they showed in Glasgow’s East End on Wednesday evening why there are a pot two Champions League team. Technically superb, and tactically astute, Nicky Hayen’s men will have viewed the draw at Celtic Park as two points dropped.
Undoubtedly a point gained for the Scottish champions
On the other hand, it is undoubtedly a point gained for the Scottish champions. Brendan Rodgers’ side were far from their best, and collectively were a shadow of themselves. Partly, that is because they have been outstanding in this competition [Dortmund being the exception] since the Bratislava opener.
BSC Young Boys in January
Importantly, regardless of how results go on matchday six, Celtic will still remain in a top 24 position. The likes of PSG, Shakhtar Donetsk, VfB Stuttgart and Sparta Prague are the closest threats outside the elusive positions – all of whom are on four points.
Therefore, Celtic will face BSC Young Boys in January knowing that a victory secures that all important knockout playoff round tie in February.
Hopefully, a first victory away from home in the 36-team format in Zagreb means that the pressure is off heading into facing the Swiss titleholders at the beginning of 2025.
Lower the finish tougher the knock-out opponent
It is worth noting though that the higher up the table you finish, the less chance you have of playing a top-class outfit. For example, take Celtic’s current position of 20th. If the Hoops were to finish in that spot, they would play a two-legged affair against Bayern Munich who are 13th in the table.
Also, clubs are guaranteed a fee of €3.58 million for finishing 24th. For every position above that, €275,000 is added to your total. Therefore, if Celtic were to finish 20th – €4.68 million would be added to the coffers.
The day that we win away
Thus, every game is meaningful, and success on the pitch is rewarded with lucrative fixtures which is backed up with financial rewards off the field.
With Dinamo Zagreb looming in a fortnight, a knockout playoff round place is within Celtic’s grasp. A victory in Croatia’s capital would clinch it. Hopefully, that will be the day, that we win away.
Conor Spence
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