According to Andy Walker, Celtic’s third-place finish in their Champions League group will require a “tall order.”
After losing their two previous matches—one in Rotterdam against Feyenoord and the other at Parkhead against Lazio—in which Pedro scored the game’s opening goal in the 96th minute—Brendan Rodgers’ team took the lead against Atletico Madrid in a thrilling four-goal thriller played out in Glasgow’s east end under the lights.
The former Hoops striker and analyst thinks Feyenoord will need to give them a turn in Italy in order to preserve hopes of playing in Europe until Christmas since he doesn’t see the Scottish champions winning against Diego Simeone’s team. On the fifth matchday, Celtic play the Italians; in the last game in Group E, they meet their Dutch group rivals.
“Yeah, and I think they will need to hope Feyenoord can do them a turn and beat Lazio,” Walker said on Go Radio when asked if they might still leave the group.
“The team they could catch is Lazio. Although I believe that is the only one you are looking at, I am aware that they have already lost to them at home. It will be difficult to even place third at this point, so you don’t want to leave it too late.
“The team is learning under Brendan Rodgers’ leadership. However, it offers little comfort to the Celtic supporters, who are merely itching for improved outcomes in Europe. Despite playing well in all three games, they only managed one point. It’s been quite difficult.
“The environment is extremely harsh, and the lessons are very harsh.” When they travel to Madrid for this rematch with Atletico, I don’t think they will win anything. I found them to be pretty impressive. Additionally, it was the length of time that Celtic coexisted with them, managed to get along with them, and exerted pressure on them through spells. For me, that was the most impressive thing.
