Celtic slipped 18 places in the new Champions League format after a 7-1 defeat in Dortmund.
In recent days, the aftermath of another disastrous away performance in Europe has been in full swing. The loss has had a significant impact on Celtic, who now sit just above the critical top 24.
Celtic were second out of 36 teams with a +4 goal differential after defeating Slovakian title winners Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League opener. After two weeks, the goal differential has been decreased to -2. The Hoops have slid to 20th in the standings. Given that nine points are the goal for similar-level teams in pots 3 and 4, goal differential could be critical in securing that elusive play-off tie.
Celtic’s next match is in Bergamo, where they will face last season’s Europa League winners. Atalanta have been off to a flyer, drawing with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal 0-0 in their opener and then convincingly brushing aside Shakhtar Donestk 3-0 in Poland. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will be heavy favourites for the match in less than three weeks.
Furthermore, Celtic’s next home match in Europe’s top club league is against RB Leipzig. Despite having an additional player and leading 2-1, the Germans wasted their lead and lost the game 3-2. Ominously, Leipzig’s next opponents are Liverpool; if they lose three in a row, the Germans will be heading to Celtic Park desperate to win.
Celtic will attempt to win the majority of their points in matches five through seven. Club Brugge is one point behind the Celts after recovering from a 3-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in their opening encounter. A 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz has moved the Belgians up the standings.
Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb, who fired their manager following the Bayern disgrace, squandered a two-goal lead at home to Monaco, drawing 2-2. A tough one for the Croatians, who have only one point and a -7 goal differential after two games.
Young Boys, Celtic’s penultimate league opponents, now languish at the bottom of the standings. Aston Villa and Barcelona present a difficult first round of matches. However, the Swiss side has had a disastrous start to their domestic league season, and by game seven, they may likely be out.
Of course, Celtic’s mini-league final will be played in Birmingham versus high-flying Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side won 1-0 over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, replicating the 1982 European Cup final. Unlike Young Boys, Villa might have finished in the top eight by then, with Brendan Rodgers hoping that our opponents have nothing at stake.
When the schedule was first released, three points after two games appeared to be the consensus. With six games remaining, including three major home games, finishing in the top 24 is a realistic goal. Performances away from home must improve dramatically, and this must begin in Italy.
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