IT's been domestic bliss for Celtic over the past decade or so – but there been too much foreign failure.
Callum McGregor reckons it’s about time the Hoops took some of their success in Scotland on the road and the club finally makes a mark in the Champions League by reaching the crucial play-off phase. The Parkhead men have been written off as Euro duds but at times enjoyed some highlights in continental competition.
Neil Lennon’s men reaching the Champions League last 16 might be more than 10 years ago now but there have been fleeting moments of glory, such as beating Lazio home and away to top the Europa League group in 2019. But those moments have been few and far between in the top tournament. The Champions League has become a house of pain for the Parkhead men. There have been heavy defeats to the likes of Barcelona and Paris St-Germain during Brendan Rodgers’ first spell in charge.
There was another hammering by Real Madrid and again last term in Spain against Atletico Madrid. Last term’s dead-rubber win in the final game against Feyenoord was Celtic’s first victory in 15 games in the competition, going back to the 3-0 under Rodgers against Anderlecht in 2017.
Even when the Hoops have played half decently, they have been undone by moments of madness. There were positive signs under Ange Postecoglou in performances against Real at home, and in both games against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Likewise last season, there were times in the games in Glasgow against Lazio and Atletico when the roof was raised. But too often lapses were punished and Celts were left on the outside looking in.
McGregor is out to change the record this time around and will be watching closely at tonight’s draw when his men will learn their fate for the
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