Celtic hopes of remaining in Europe beyond the group-stage already look bleak.
John Hartson believes that Celtic have a greater chance of bagging a win over Barcelona than they do against Manchester City in their final two Champions League group-stage games, The Scottish Sun reports.
Following Tuesday’s draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, the Hoops are bottom of their group and need at least one victory from their final two fixtures if they hope to book a place in the Europa League.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele celebrates the equaliser in Germany
And while the Catalan giants’ stature means that some Bhoys supporters will be more optimistic about the game against the Citizens, former Celtic striker Hartson has suggested that Brendan Rodgers’ men stand a greater chance of beating Barca.
“I think Celtic have more of an opportunity to beat Barcelona. I know it’s a tough task, but they have beaten them twice in the last 12 years at Celtic Park,” he said, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
John Hartson
“It can be done, they are still in there fighting, and I would not back against them.
“Celtic can take something from the remaining two group games. They will take so much confidence from the performance in Germany.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
In fairness to Hartson, Celtic proved in their game against Manchester City how playing at Parkhead in front of their own fans can help the side take their game to another level, so they may perhaps be more confidence about a home clash against Barcelona than a trip to Manchester.
Plus, with Barca and City trading victories from their two clashes, it appears that the gap between the two is not as large as some would assume.
And with a massive point to prove following their last Champions League fixture at home – which they lost 2-0 to Gladbach – it is perhaps not as crazy a suggestion as it may initially seem.
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