Celtic Told They Must “Scalp” a Big-gun in Europe This Year

Celtic begin their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign in less than a fortnight as Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava visit Glasgow.

While they shipped five goals at home at the weekend, Bratislava will remain a difficult opponent despite being one of two bottom-pot sides the Hoops will face.

If they want to get off to the perfect start in Europe this year, Celtic must pick up three points on matchday one before consecutive matches against Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, and RB Leipzig lie in wait.

Said trio of Games will be the Bhoys’ most difficult of the league phase, but Gordon Strachan thinks they need at least one giant-killing win in Europe this term.

The former Parkhead gaffer led Celtic to the last 16 of the Champions League in consecutive seasons, coming up with some shock results against Manchester United and AC Milan in each.

Strachan thinks current Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers needs a similarly surprising victory for some European progression.

“In the previous format, I always believed you needed at least one big scalp to get through”, he said (Football Scotland).

“That’s what you need to get through and I imagine it will be the same with the new format.

“The extra Game at Celtic Park could give them an advantage. Brendan Rodgers has mentioned he wants to have a real go in the comPetition this season and that could help him.”

A 3-0 trouncing of Rangers on Sunday continued the champions’ impeccable start to the new season.

The Bhoys have been on fire in 2024/25 and will fancy their chances heading into a new European campaign.

No Games in the Champions League are easy, but based on current form and other potential opponents, the Celts have the right to be quietly pleased with their fixtures.