As Celtic prepares to kick off their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night, they aim to assert their credentials for a top 24 play-off spot in the newly expanded tournament. The revamped format now features a massive 36-team table, and the goal for Celtic under Brendan Rodgers is to secure a place in the top 24.
Their first challenge comes from Slovan Bratislava, the Slovakian champions who have fought their way through four qualifying rounds this summer to earn their place. The team is set to travel to Glasgow with high hopes, despite the possibility of facing the match without their manager. Their journey to this point has been arduous, but their motivation remains strong.
Winger Vladimir Weiss Jr., who is the son of the team’s manager, is optimistic about their chances. Despite being the underdogs, Weiss Jr. believes they can make an impact. He told the Daily Record, “We definitely think we can get something out of this game against Celtic. If Slovan were up against any of the 36 teams in this Champions League, they would be favored against us.”
He added, “So, it’s the same with Celtic. We are starting from the bottom, but we’ve climbed up through four qualifying rounds to get here. It’s been an incredible journey. We have a talented squad with a mix of experience, and my father, who is known for pushing his teams to the limit, is our coach. Celtic fans might remember him from when he managed Artmedia and knocked Celtic out of the Champions League nearly 20 years ago.”
Slovan Bratislava, having played 15 games this season due to their qualifying campaign, have shown resilience. They’ve managed to win 11 of these matches, with three draws and one heavy loss against MSK Zilina. This record demonstrates their capability, although they haven’t yet faced a team of Celtic’s quality. It will be up to Celtic to prove their superiority on the field rather than relying on their higher ranking.
Rodgers’ side has made a strong start to their season, and they are well-positioned to extend their success in the Champions League. The upcoming match promises to be a crucial test for both teams as they vie for advancement in Europe’s premier club competition.