Celtic are preparing to do battle with RB Leipzig tonight in a clash that could have significant implications regarding their hopes of Champions League progression.
With four points from their first three matches in the league phase, the Bhoys can take confidence after drawing away to Atalanta as they face up to another difficult opponent on the elite stage.
Sitting second in the Bundesliga with 20 points, it may come as a surprise that Leipzig are pointless in Europe’s premier competition after three losses against Liverpool, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers has urged Celtic fans to bring the noise tonight as he is acutely aware of the threat his side are up against tonight, claiming supporters will need to be patient as the Bhoys look to thwart Marco Rose’s men.
Leipzig will have to do without Castello Lukeba and Xaxi Simons for the tie. Either way, the visiting manager has offered his thoughts on what his side expect from the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.
Marco Rose discusses facing Celtic
While in charge of RB Salzburg, Rose praised Parkhead’s atmosphere after his side claimed a 2-1 victory over Celtic back in 2018. He also established himself as a popular figure among Hoops’ supporters after holding up a scarf after full-time, so he knows all too well what his side will come up against tonight.
Previewing the clash, he stated [BBC Sport]: “The fans mean you need to be ready if you want to win here. It will be a great atmosphere, and we have to use it because we like to play in these kinds of stadiums.
“We will have to defend all they give us to defend as well. But I’m sure we’ll get our chances in possession and transition, and when we do, we have to take these chances.
I always like coming here, I like the history of the club, I appreciate fan culture a lot. I remember my first match here with Salzburg in the Europa League very well, we played very well and the supporters accepted and honoured the result.
“I actually had some contact with a few supporters; they offered me a scarf. This creates a connection, and I also like their manager.”
Celtic searching for another famous European night
Parkhead has been a fortress over recent years in Europe, but the Champions League has become a harder competition to claim results in for obvious reasons.
That being said, Celtic have lost only one of their last four games in the competition, and have the opportunity to extend their unbeaten run at home to three games with a positive result tonight.
Admittedly, these are small steps towards the stream of results supporters are crying out for, though every part of the journey is worthwhile and points on the board form successful campaigns.
