Celtic have been drawn against Zenit St. Petersburg in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham has claimed on Twitter that it is “never easy” to go to Russia after being drawn against Zenit St. Petersburg in the Europa League.
Celtic qualified for the competition after finishing third in Group B of the Champions League behind Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, but brushed aside Anderlecht 3-0 to book their place in the final 32 of the competition.
Roberto Mancini is currently in charge of the Russian giants, who boast players such as Branislav Ivanovic, Aleksandr Kokorin and Domenico Criscito.
Summer signing Ntcham reacted to the draw on Twitter, stating that the Hoops have a tough task ahead of them as they look to qualify for the last 16 of the competition over two legs against Mancini’s side.
Zenit have struggled in the Russian Premier League this season, sitting way down in fourth and six points behind league leaders Lokomotiv Moscow – winning just 10 of their 19 outings during the 2017-18 campaign.
Celtic will face Zenit at Parkhead in the first leg on February 15, before travelling to Russia a week later in what will be a difficult test for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
The Hoops are next up against Hamilton, as they look to increase their five-point lead over Rangers by getting back to winning ways at Celtic Park on Wednesday night.
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