Former England striker Gary Lineker has recognized Celtic as potential dark horses in this year’s UEFA Champions League, despite the Scottish club’s uneven start in the tournament. Lineker’s comments come following Celtic’s fluctuating performances, which have seen moments of brilliance offset by sobering defeats.
Under manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic entered the Champions League with hopes of defying expectations. Their campaign started with a stunning display at Celtic Park, where they dominated Slovan Bratislava with a 5-1 win. The emphatic victory highlighted Celtic’s attacking prowess and gave their supporters a glimmer of hope for a strong European run. However, the optimism quickly diminished after a brutal 7-0 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in Germany. This heavy loss initially seemed to signal another uphill struggle for Celtic in Europe, reminiscent of their previous battles in the competition, where they’ve often found it challenging to compete with Europe’s elite.
But Celtic’s fortunes took a positive turn on matchday three when they faced Atalanta away. The Scottish champions showed tactical discipline and defensive resilience, securing a vital point in Italy. This performance hinted at a renewed spirit within the squad, as they implemented a game plan that neutralized the Italians’ attacking strengths and highlighted Celtic’s adaptability under pressure.
By the end of the first three matches, Celtic had accumulated four points, placing them in a position that, under the new Champions League format, keeps their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive. This points tally, coupled with the mental resilience demonstrated against Atalanta, has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, including Lineker.
When asked about potential surprise contenders in the Champions League this season, Lineker acknowledged the usual frontrunners but also highlighted Celtic’s resurgence. He remarked on the peculiarity of considering Celtic as a dark horse, noting their inconsistency but also recognizing their potential to surprise. “It’s strange, really, when you think about it. Celtic took a heavy defeat from Dortmund, but they’ve shown resilience and character in their other games,” Lineker observed, adding that these qualities could help them navigate the group stage and potentially reach the knockout rounds.
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