Celtic’s Europa draw with Cluj is a big opportunity

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Celtic face their Champions League conquerors.

Perhaps it was inevitable from the moment the pots were drawn up.

Celtic landed in a group with CFR Cluj in the Europa League, their Champions League conquerors.

This should only be seen as a positive for Neil Lennon and his players, giving the Scottish champions the chance to right a wrong.

Celtic were heavy favourites heading into the August ties, before getting beaten over two legs.

It was not just the defeat which hurt, it was the manner of the loss.

Celtic were beaten 4-3 at home, a result which sealed their exit. Conceding four goals at home is shambolic, there is no escaping that.

Since then Celtic have rallied, and their results have been much improved.

A clean sheet in the win away at Rangers highlighted how Neil Lennon has turned the team around.

Of course they are different opponents, one Celtic fans would rather talk down.

The only true measure of Celtic’s improvement or not, will come against Cluj.

For Neil Lennon, it is a chance to exorcise a ghost, and show the home loss particularly was a freak result.

Cluj’s win over Celtic was soured by their defeat to Slavia Prague.

This might make Celtic’s frustration higher, although Prague landing a Champions League draw with Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan was hardly a reward worth coveting.

Frankly, the Europa League is more Celtic’s level, and getting the chance to avenge their loss over Cluj must be a big motivating factor heading into the campaign.