Celtic are gearing up for the Champions League draw on Thursday, as the competition enters a new era with its first major overhaul since 1992. With 36 teams now competing in a league-style phase, this new format promises more games, tougher opposition, and potentially greater rewards for clubs like Celtic.
What’s New in the Champions League?
Gone are the traditional group stages. In this fresh setup, 36 teams will play in a single league phase, facing eight different opponents—four at home and four away. Celtic, ranked in Pot 3, will be up against Europe’s elite, with potential matchups against the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris St-Germain.
Celtic’s Pot Placement and Fixture Strategy
Celtic’s placement in Pot 3 means they’ll avoid facing Pot 1 powerhouses in consecutive home-and-away clashes. Instead, the eight fixtures will pit them against a mix of teams from different pots. This offers an exciting blend of challenges, with some room for optimism depending on the draw.
Key Dates for Celtic Fans
Celtic’s Champions League journey kicks off with the first matchday in mid-September. Fans can expect pivotal games spread across key dates, with the final league phase match taking place in late January. The knockout stages will begin soon after, with the top eight teams automatically advancing, while teams ranked 9th-24th will fight for a spot in the last 16.
Celtic’s Recent European Struggles
Celtic have faced challenges in recent seasons, failing to progress beyond the group stage. However, last year’s victory over Feyenoord, their first Champions League home win in a decade, offers hope of better results in this revamped format.
With more games and increased competition, Celtic will need to step up, but fans will be eager to see how the Bhoys fare against Europe’s finest.
