There were mixed emotions for Celtic after their result against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
On the one hand, Celtic conceded seven goals at Borussia Dortmund on matchday two and, fast forward to the present, and they have kept two clean sheets on the road since.
That includes Celtic’s drab draw against Dinamo Zagreb, where a point was secured, but there is a sense that it could and should have been more.
Brendan Rodgers’ reaction that Celtic are disappointed with such an outcome proves how far they have come, and he is right.
It just dents the team’s chances of securing those all-important top-eight places that provide you an automatic pathway into the knockout stages.
Two games remain for the champions of Scotland – a home clash against bottom-of-the-table Young Boys after the New Year and then Celtic’s all-British clash against Aston Villa on January 29.
When looking at the latest Champions League standings, James McFadden was intrigued.
Celtic’s Champions League standing compared to Juventus and Real Madrid
As of this moment, Celtic are on nine points – two points above the drop zone, so some extra points are needed and they need to look over their shoulders.
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McFadden did that and stated that Juventus and Manchester City are below them – both on eight points – and they play each other on Wednesday night.
The former Scotland midfielder also pointed out how Celtic have conceded ten goals in the competition and Real Madrid have shipped more, this is despite that drubbing in Dortmund, as he told BBC Radio Scotland.
“I just had a quick look there now, Juventus have to play Manchester City and Club Brugge,” said McFadden.
“Both teams are below, so this is where it gets interesting. You can go into the last few games and probably plot out what results you need to see, it’s quite incredible.
“Another thing I saw there as well, you mentioned Celtic’s defensive record and given that they conceded so many against Dortmund. Real Madrid are on nine (points) after six games and conceded 11, so it’s not a disaster for Celtic. They have recovered really well.”
Callum McGregor and Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic shows appreciation to the fans during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match betw...
Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images
Celtic’s fixtures up until the next Champions League game
Celtic lock horns with Rangers in the League Cup final on Sunday and that was always going to be the main event of this month’s heavy fixture load.
When that game is concluded, it’s non-stop Premiership action, with a Scottish Cup game against Kilmarnock on January 18 sandwiched in between, and the chance for the leaders to further increase their nine-point lead at the top.
By the time Young Boys on January 22nd comes around, they could and should be clear by double-figure points.
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