Real Madrid Return To Favourite City Glasgow But Celtic Are In A Confident Mood

Real Madrid have touched down in one of their favourite cities for a Champions League clash with Celtic.

Glasgow has hosted just three European Cup finals - and the Madrid club were victorious on two historic occasions in 1960 and 2002. The Spanish giants associate Scotland’s biggest city with glory and silverware, but three points and the perfect start to their title defence is all they crave tonight.

Madrid being in town is a rarity; it’s a big deal, a momentous occasion. Only once before, in 1980, have Celtic hosted the La Liga champions, while Rangers encountered Los Blancos in a two-legged tie 59 years ago. Footballing royalty frequents Glasgow regularly, but few clubs rival Real Madrid for allure.

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Ange Postecoglou could hardly have hoped for better preparation leading into a mouth-watering duel with Europe’s most decorated club. His charges outclassed, outfought and outwitted a beleaguered Rangers side during a one-sided blitz on Saturday - and such an emphatic victory has enhanced belief ahead of the Champions League opener.

A reoccurring issue for Celtic in continental competition over the last decade has been their soft underbelly. The Hoops are often naïve against battle-hardened opposition, and under a succession of managers, they have been too easy to expose and exploit, especially in transition.

The imposing Oliver Abildgaard joined on deadline day, adding tactical discipline and tenacity to an impressive squad list. The Madrid game will be too soon for the midfielder, but he could play a pivotal role in upcoming away fixtures. The Dane’s late-hour arrival on loan from Rubin Kazan is yet another example of Celtic’s acumen in the transfer market.

Postecoglou has again stated he will not compromise his principles for any opponent, although periodically on Saturday, Celtic were content to hold their shape, absorb pressure and bide their time. They are a vibrant and youthful side, yet their style is evolving within the confines of the manager’s structure.

The financial chasm between tonight’s opponents highlights the daunting challenge ahead for Celtic. Madrid’s unexpected defeat to Sheriff Tiraspol last season does, though, provide a reminder that the group stages are not always an incident-free procession for clubs from wealthy leagues.

Madrid brings attention and intrigue to Group F, and the overall draw was favourable for Celtic. RB Leipzig, the second seeds, have been laboured in the Bundesliga this season - despite having Timo Werner and Christopher Nkunku together - and Shakhtar Donetsk are also in the same section.

Without a permanent residence to call home and stripped of almost all their foreign assets, Shakhtar Donetsk was the dream pick from a well-stacked pot three. Clubs have taken advantage of their plight, and Shakhtar, it would seem, are likely to compete for respectability rather than progression.

The inclusion of Donetsk in the group has changed the dynamic for Celtic. Third place and European involvement in the New Year is now the minimum requirement, and they should be capable of challenging Leipzig - defeated by Rangers in the Europa League semi-finals last season - for a place in the round of sixteen.

With a five-point cushion established at the top of the Premiership, Celtic are the overwhelming favourites to win yet another title. Their domestic dominance is clear, but they have lacked European adventures to supplement local endeavours.

During the all-consuming pursuit of the much-sought 10-in-a-row, Celtic, intentionally or otherwise, prioritised domestic bliss over European advancement. As a club, they too readily accepted subpar displays in continental competition - and Postecoglou, in his second season, is attempting to obliterate a parochial mindset that festered for too long.

Whether a confident Celtic team can achieve a meaningful result against Real Madrid remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that they will play with risk and without fear  - ensuring a captivating 90 minutes ahead.