Celtic v Real Madrid
06 September 2000hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League
Pick Real Madrid win
Bookmaker bet365
Odds: 1.57 odds taken 1000 GMT, Monday 5th September
Tuesday evening features action from Matchday 1 of this season’s Champions League group stage with Celtic taking on Real Madrid in Group F at Celtic Park with the hosts looking to make a positive start to their campaign against quality opposition.
Table of Contents
Celtic Preview – Can Bhoys cope?
After wrestling the Scottish top flight league title away from their old firm rivals, Rangers, at the end of last season, Celtic take their place in this season’s Champions League group stage but they face formidable opposition in the shape of Real Madrid despite holding home advantage at Celtic Park in their opening game in Group F.
Celtic bring impressive winning momentum into this Champions League tie having won their last seven competitive matches on the trot which consists of six wins in the Premiership and a League Cup victory over Ross County with a 4-1 win on the road.
Needless to say, Celtic sit top of the early Premiership standings with a 100% winning record after six games which includes a crushing 9-0 win away from home against Dundee United, while winning seven of their last eight games at home in all competitions but Tuesday night represents a significant step up in quality in the Champions League where Celtic have struggled in recent times.
The Bhoys have managed to win just one of their last six ties overall at this level which came in the shape of a 6-0 home win over Icelandic side, KR, but losses to CFR Cluj, Ferencvaros and Midtjylland in previous ties perhaps indicate a potential weakness which may get exploted against the reigning Champions League title holders.
Celtic manager, Ange Postecoglou, has a few injuries to contend with in the shape of forward Furuhashi (6 goals) and defender Starfelt, while midfielder Ideguchi, remains out with a leg injury.
Real Madrid Preview – Can Los Blancos start defence with a win?
Last season’s Champions League champions, Real Madrid, start their defence of the European title on Tuesday night in Glasgow away at Celtic and they too will be in confident mood as they bring a six-match winning streak in all competitions into this Matchday 1 clash at Celtic Park which includes a Super Cup 2-0 win over German Europa League winners, Eintracht Frankfurt.
The domestic La Liga competition is still in it’s early stages as well but Real Madrid have made a real statement of intent as last season’s title winners have won each of their opening four games of this new domestic top flight season, thanks to victories over Almeria, Celta Vigo, Espanyol and Real Betis respectively, the former three wins also being away from home as well.
Real Madrid stamped their authority in last season’s Spanish top flight as they not only claimed the league title but ousted runners-up Barcelona by a significant margin of 13 points in the process, and are once again among the favourites to lift this season’s Champions League trophy into the bargain.
Having won five of their last seven away ties at Champions League level, Real Madrid look set for further success here but will again be without the services of defensive duo Vallejo and Odriozola, but manager Carlo Ancellotti has no fresh injury worries.
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Celtic v Real Madrid
Key Facts – Celtic v Real Madrid Tip
- Celtic have managed to win just 1 of their last 6 CL ties overall
- Real Madrid are the current Champions League title holders
- Real Madrid have won 5 of their last 7 CL away ties
Celtic hold home advantage but they will face their toughest test yet this season in the shape of Real Madrid who look a level above their hosts.
The best betting odds for Celtic v Real Madrid
Celtic to win: 5.50 at bet365
Draw: 4.33 at bet365
R Madrid to win: 1.57 at bet365
