Celtic has the opportunity to make a strong statement in the Champions League with their match against RB Leipzig scheduled for Tuesday night. Brendan Rodgers’ team has accumulated four points from their first three matches, a tally that fans likely would have accepted before the tournament began.
The only blemish on their record is the loss to Borussia Dortmund, but the players’ response since then has exceeded expectations. Atalanta is performing well in Serie A, currently leading the league in goals scored as Europa League champions, indicating a challenging night ahead for Celtic in Bergamo. However, Celtic managed to secure a draw against Atalanta, showcasing a solid defensive performance and revitalizing the spirits of their supporters.
Celtic will take on an RB Leipzig team that was initially a Pot 1 contender but has lost all three of its opening European matches, including a recent Bundesliga defeat. Despite their points tally, Leipzig remains a formidable opponent, and Celtic must approach this game with caution.
In a preview for the upcoming Champions League matches, talkSPORT featured European football expert and Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, who briefly overlooked Celtic’s match against Leipzig. McCoist interjected to remind listeners about the significance of this fixture. Hatchard then provided insights into what Celtic might encounter against a German side known for its resilience in European away games.
Hatchard expressed that Marco Rose’s team “won’t be intimidated” by the atmosphere at Parkhead and noted that their poor performance against Dortmund might lead to a resurgence, as he shared on talkSPORT (November 5, 2024, at 6:50 am).
“There is also one north of the border,” McCoist remarked about the Celtic-Leipzig clash amidst discussions of other Champions League fixtures. “Celtic bounced back from their tough loss in Dortmund and had a solid result in Italy. They will feel confident, especially at home, against this Leipzig team.”
Hatchard added, “Leipzig is a strong side, although they struggled against Dortmund last weekend. I was quite surprised by their performance. That could mean trouble for Celtic since Leipzig might rebound. They have achieved many away victories in the Champions League recently, so they won’t likely feel daunted playing at Celtic Park. Still, Celtic impressed me in Bergamo; I thought they might be overwhelmed. Schmeichel made several key saves, and they were more tactically disciplined than I expected. They definitely have a chance.”
**RB Leipzig Injury Update Before Celtic Clash**
If Celtic can secure points in this encounter, it may come down to a narrow victory, making for a tense and closely contested match. Expect Leipzig to respond following their disappointing performance against Dortmund, but they will be without some key players.
Castello Lukeba sustained an injury in the match against Dortmund, and Rose indicated in his post-match comments that it’s “very likely” he won’t participate at Parkhead.
“He [Lukeba] suffered a thigh injury in training, and we don’t want to take any risks, or it could lead to him being sidelined for five to six weeks. Therefore, I don’t think he will be available against Celtic,” said Rose.
Additionally, rising star Xavi Simons, who injured his ankle in the match against Liverpool, is expected to be out until 2025.
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