Ange Postecoglou vows Celtic are no Champions League tourists as he tips Karim Benzema for the Ballon D’Or

Facing Europe’s top team in the Champions League is a hard enough task. But when Celtic take on Real Madrid at Parkhead in their Group F opener, Ange Postecoglou reckons they might just be facing the world’s best player too.

Karim Benzema was Los Blancos’ talisman last season as Carlo Ancelotti’s side claimed the trophy for a 14th time. Hoops defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt will have to shackle Special K if Celtic are to defy the odds. French superstar Benzema is bookies’ favourite to win the Ballon D’Or, ahead of the likes of Mo Salah, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

Celtic gaffer Ange is full of praise for the way that Ancelotti’s side became European champions in May after seeing off PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool along the way. And he can’t wait to visit the famous Bernabeu for Celtic’s final group game as it will be his first time there as a gaffer. Postecoglou has already been to some of the most iconic stadiums in the world as Australia boss.

But he only enjoys visiting them if his team plays well. As he looked ahead to the Real Madrid clashes and the threat of their star striker, he said: “Benzema would deserve to win the Ballon D’Or. He was outstanding for Real Madrid last year.

“But when you look at them as a group, what they did to win the Champions League was always to find a way to win their games. They have such a history and tradition of being successful in this competition that they can never be underestimated.

“I’m well aware of their pedigree. I haven’t been to the Bernabeu. It will be great if we have a positive performance but not if we don’t.

“I’ve been lucky – I’ve been to the Maracana in Brazil, Wembley ... all of these places. But the ones I remember