Celtic stands on the brink of a significant milestone as they prepare for a pivotal home clash against Young Boys on Wednesday night. With nine points secured from six group stage games, the Scottish champions are poised to make their mark in the UEFA Champions League. A win in this encounter could propel them further into the coveted knockout rounds, a feat captain Callum McGregor hopes to achieve this season.
The stakes are high for Celtic as they aim to secure at least one more victory in the Champions League to reach the top 24 teams, which guarantees a play-off spot. Opta's analysis suggests that accumulating ten points will almost certainly ensure progression to the next stage. With Young Boys yet to pick up a single point in the group stage and having never won any of their 11 previous away games in the Champions League, Celtic's home form appears promising.
Manager Brendan Rodgers remains confident in his team's abilities, emphasizing the importance of a strong performance and fan support.
"It's down to us to come and give a performance that merits that and gets the crowd involved in the game and makes it a really difficult night," he stated.
Celtic's robust squad includes recent record signing Arne Engels, acquired for £11 million, and seasoned goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who has been a steadfast presence between the posts. These additions bolster Celtic's chances of enjoying domestic dominance while proving their potential on Europe's grandest stage.
Rodgers acknowledges the challenge posed by their Swiss opponents but remains optimistic about his team's prospects.
"We know we're playing against a good side, good physicality at this level. But we also know that we're a good side as well and we can play football. We've proved that in the home games and some of the away games as well at this level," Rodgers remarked.
Celtic's journey continues with a trip to Aston Villa scheduled for January 29. The new Champions League format presents an intriguing dynamic, with the team finishing ninth facing off against the team in 24th place in the play-off round. This structure adds an extra layer of complexity and opportunity for teams navigating through the tournament.
The ambition to progress beyond the group stage has been a long-standing objective for Celtic, and Rodgers is determined to break past historical barriers.
"We've tried and failed pretty much most of the time, so it's a big step for the club. Everybody wants to be a part of it. We've done ever so well so far, but we don't want to be the nearly team," he explained.
Celtic's current form and strategic planning place them in a favorable position to capitalize on their opportunities. With at least three wins from eight games, or similar combinations, they stand a good chance of reaching the knockout rounds. A points tally of nine has been sufficient in 69 percent of simulations to secure at least 24th place.
Rodgers remains focused on guiding his team through this decisive phase, understanding both the magnitude and potential of their upcoming matches.
"We have that opportunity now to take a big step to get to the play-off. They [the players] understand the magnitude of the game, but they also understand that it's about performing," he emphasized.
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