Celtic’s Fixture List Eases Following Dramatic Champions League Exit
Celtic’s schedule for the remainder of the season has been significantly lightened after their heartbreaking elimination from the Champions League.
Brendan Rodgers’ side enjoyed a remarkable European campaign, but their journey came to a crushing end after Bayern Munich’s stoppage-time equalizer in Germany saw the Hoops bow out on aggregate.
Despite the disappointment, Celtic’s performances among Europe’s elite were commendable, with the revamped tournament format appearing to suit the Scottish giants. They secured an impressive 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig, earned crucial points away at Atalanta and Dinamo, and also defeated Young Boys while holding Club Brugge to a 1-1 draw. Their campaign also featured a dominant opening-night thrashing of Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park.
Exiting the competition in such agonizing fashion at the Allianz Arena highlights the progress made under Rodgers, and with continued development, Celtic will be eyeing more big European nights in the future.
Jamie O’Hara Stands Up for Celtic Amid Rangers Fan’s Jibe
Ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated Glasgow derby, former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara surprisingly came to Celtic’s defense after a Rangers fan attempted to mock their European exit.
O’Hara, who has been vocal in his criticism of Celtic in the past, was quick to push back when a talkSPORT caller claimed: “Rangers are the team doing it in Europe – not Celtic.”
The former Tottenham and Wolves player responded: “You had to get that dig in, didn’t you? Oh, come on, mate, give credit where it’s due – Celtic haven’t half done well in the Champions League, they’ve qualified.”
Celtic’s European Campaign Earns Widespread Praise
O’Hara’s defense of Celtic was a rare moment of recognition, especially given his usual back-and-forth exchanges with fellow pundit Jason Cundy. However, Celtic’s Champions League performances have earned widespread acclaim.
Footballing icons Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were among those who praised the Hoops for their impressive campaign, acknowledging the significant strides made by Rodgers’ squad. Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda etched his name into the club’s history books by equalling a long-standing goalscoring record for Celtic in the tournament.
Although their European adventure has come to an end, Celtic will now shift their focus to domestic success, using their Champions League experience as motivation for the challenges ahead.
