Jamie Carragher thinks Celtic’s chances of reaching the knockout stages of the 2022/23 Champions will ‘go to the wire’.
The Liverpool legend thinks that Real Madrid will confirm their place in the knockout rounds after four matches, but he feels Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk and RB Leipzig will push each other towards the end.
On Tuesday night, a spirited Ange Postecoglou side were beaten 3-0 by the current European Cup holders at Parkhead.
The scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story because Celtic should have taken the lead in the first half when they were the better side.
But Madrid’s class just showcased itself in the end, as they ended up securing a comfortable three points in Glasgow.
Despite that loss for the Scottish champions, Carragher is still backing big Ange’s side to make it to the knockout stages, as he told CBS Sports (06/09/22 at 10:20 pm).
“Real Madrid are the European champions,” said Carragher. “They are, of course, huge favourites to go through.
“I think the result between Shakhtar Donetsk and Leipzig (Shakhtar win), then Celtic will fancy their chances when those two teams come to Celtic as well. They would have looked at the Real Madrid one as a bonus game.
“But when the other two come, then they would be expected to get 4-6 points in that. I think this could be a real competitive group stage that goes right to the wire, with Real Madrid possibly confirming their place in the knockout stages after four games. The rest will go to the wire.”
HOME FORM CRUCIAL
The home games are crucial for Celtic and it’s where they need to pick up maximum points.
If the Bhoys can start at the same pace, aggression and fearless nature in which they kicked off the Madrid game, then they will be sound.
But, playing as underdogs against Madrid is one thing to having to do the business when there is more expectations on your shoulders.
That pressure and heat will be felt by the Celtic players next week when they take on Shakhtar Donetsk away from home.
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