Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata is wary of Champions League clash.
Celtic knew when the Champions League groups were drawn that their chances of beating PSG or Bayern Munich to a top two spot were nigh on impossible.
It has proved that way, but qualification for the Europa League via a third place finish remains a realistic possibility.
All Celtic need to do this week is to avoid a heavy defeat against Anderlecht, who they beat 3-0 in Belgium earlier in the campaign.
Celtic’s Belgian international defender Dedryck Boyata is taking nothing for granted ahead of this week’s decisive home fixture.
Boyata admits that it will be disastrous if Celtic end up getting beaten to third place.
Boyata told The Mail: “Since Anderlecht got their new manager they have been doing better than when we played them over there the first time.
“So it will be a difficult game for us but I refuse to think about us losing to them.
“‘That would ruin Christmas – in fact, it would ruin everything.”
Celtic simply need to stop Anderlecht bettering their 3-0 win, meaning a narrow victory even would be enough for Brendan Rodgers’ side to progress.
The Scottish champions have had a strong start to the season so far, keeping up their unbeaten record and remaining seven points clear in the league with a game in hand.
They also won the League Cup last month, and keeping their European campaign ticking over into 2018 would represent progress on last season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
