Prediction: Celtic vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Facing what is another stern Champions League examination on Wednesday night, Celtic will welcome Atletico Madrid to Glasgow.

Celtic

Starting with the hosts, marking their return from October’s international break with a stellar performance over the weekend, Celtic will be desperate to now find some level of European stability. Eventually breezing their way to a 4-1 romp against Hearts, Brendan Rodgers’ side are already tipped as a landsite favourite to defend their domestic crown this season. However, while the Scottish heavyweights might have come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, the former Leicester boss has come under some recent scrutiny for Celtic’s extended issues on the European stage. Last seen in Champions League action suffering major heartbreak in Glasgow as they suffered a 2-1 loss against Lazio, Wednesday’s hosts are already sat rock-bottom of the Group E table. Getting their European adventure underway back on September 19th with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Feyenoord, Rodgers’ side are already seeking a minor Champions League miracle.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term ankle injury and not making a single appearance since back on August 13th, Celtic will once again be unable to call upon Scotland international Stephen Welsh. Likewise, Rodgers’ side will also be without the duo of Liel Abada and ex-Everton midfielder James McCarthy in midweek.

Finding the net away at Hearts over the weekend and also opening his Champions League account against Lazio on October 4th, Kyogo Furuhashi will spearhead Celtic’s charge on Wednesday night.

Atletico Madrid

As for the visitors, left disappointed last season as they eventually had to settle for a bronze medal finish among Spain’s elite, Atletico Madrid certainly have their sights set on mounting a genuine title charge this time around. Marking their return from October’s international break with another stellar performance as they claimed a 3-0 romp away at Celta Vigo, the mood in Diego Simeone’s camp appears to be at a red-hot high. Last seen in Champions League action landing a 3-2 victory against Feyenoord on October 4th, the Spanish giants will be smelling the chance to make another statement on Wednesday night. Tipped as a leading contender to punch their knockout stage ticket as Group E winners, Atletico have now won each of their previous six appearances across all competitions. With their extended purple patch highlighted by a 3-1 romp against bitter local rivals Real Madrid, Simeone’s side will arrive in Glasgow riding a major wave of momentum.

Team News

Bagging a stunning hat-trick away at Celta Vigo over the weekend and now registering seven goals in his last six appearances across all competitions, Antoine Griezmann will spearhead Atletico’s charge on Wednesday night. The French superstar will be joined in the final third by ex-Chelsea misfit Alvaro Morata in Glasgow.

While Stefan Savic might have missed out due to an illness over the weekend, it is expected that the one-time Manchester City defender will return to Simeone’s squad here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Celtic and Atletico Madrid last met on Champions League duties back in 2011, Los Cochoneros won their two group stage contests by an aggregate score of 3-0.
• Atletico have won each of their last six straight appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-6.
• French international Antonie Griezmann has bagged seven goals in just his last six appearances across all competitions.
• Celtic are without a win from any of their last 11 straight Champions League appearances – a run that stems all the way back to August 2020.
• Continuing on from last season’s tournament, the Hoops have shipped 19 goals in their previous eight Champions League outings.

Conclusion

Marking their return from October’s international break with a stellar 3-0 romp against Celta Vigo, Atletico Madrid will arrive in Glasgow smelling the chance to make another statement. Winning each of their previous six straight appearances across all competitions and really impressing with their clinical performances in the final third, Simeone’s men will be looking to cash in on a Celtic squad who find themselves at the heart of another public Champions League struggle. Without a win from any of their last 11 straight showdowns among Europe’s elite, we are backing an away victory for the Spanish giants here.

Verdict: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet