The aftermath of another Champions league campaign…

The die has been cast on yet another European campaign for Celtic. A campaign which has been full of promising starts, red cards, penalties and many ‘Celtic in Europe’ esque moments.

A famous draw against Atletico Madrid, an away result in the Spanish capital to forget, two competitive games against Lazio and a trip to Rotterdam marred by two daft sending offs, the victory last night was a much-needed bit of positivity, to leave Europe’s premier competition for another season at least holding some form of progress.

The win over the Dutch champions stands as the first win in the competition for Celtic since a 3-0 away victory at Anderlecht six years ago, and a first home victory in Europe’s top tier since a 2-1 win over fellow Dutch opposition Ajax a decade ago.

Celtic’s four points picked up in this season’s group stage is the most they have accumulated since Neil Lennon took the club to the last 16 of the competition a decade ago, grim reading to say the least.

Comparing this year’s European campaign to previous years is illogical and haphazard considering the club’s abysmal record on the continent over the last decade. Notions that Brendan Rodgers side stand unlucky to have not progressed from the group are misinformed, Celtic largely got what they deserved in the Champions League this season.

In scoring five times from an expected goals figure of 4.96, Celtic can have no complaints that their European season will once again not extend beyond Christmas.

Positives lie in how Celtic have competed in the majority of games in the competition this season, considering what can only be described as a categoric failure of a summer transfer window.

Praise should also be given to how Rodgers has set up his team in Europe this calendar year, especially given his obvious discontent with the current playing squad.

Speaking following the game, Rodgers said “You have to have certain qualities to perform at this level. We have to play a way that makes it difficult for teams, but there’s no doubt you have to have a deeper squad of quality to compete at this level”.

Given how his side have competed at this level this season, the current playing squad are not too far away from being able to compete further in the competition.

But quality and investment is needed, obvious positions of weakness such as goalkeeper and left back must be strengthened if the club even desires to be on this stage again next season. It should be noted that both Joe Hart and Greg Taylor performed very well last night but the wider point remains valid.

Consistently producing nights like last night should be an ambition of those at the very top of club to strive for, but it will only remain an ambition if increased investment and competent recruitment is not prioritised.

James French

Tonight’s win was worth just under €3m to Celtic: €2.8m for the win & €186k from the “distributed draw” pool.

With the earlier draw, Celtic earned almost €4m in performance dosh.

Balance Sheet Pete is already calculating the interest on that dosh. pic.twitter.com/tT9pTHz1ok

— GrandOLTeam (@JBLuvsCeltic) December 13, 2023

Celtic should earn £5-5.5m more from their Champions League performance this season vs last.

I’m sure Brendan doesn’t want it drawing interest in the bank. Support him and build a strong, deep squad. pic.twitter.com/9kgGKShEO8

— GrandOLTeam (@JBLuvsCeltic) December 14, 2023