Prediction: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: 888sport
After months of waiting, the UEFA Champions League is finally back in our lives this week as the group stage begins. Thirty-two of the best clubs from across Europe are set to compete in a campaign which, by all accounts, is going to be absolutely crazy given the looming presence of the World Cup. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be a barnburner of a scrap between Celtic and Real Madrid.
Celtic
The current kings of Scottish football are finally back at the top table of European competition and it’s about time. Last season saw them get dumped out of the UCL, UEL and UECL, whereas their bitter rivals reached the final of the Europa League. This time around, their squad has been fleshed out a bit more, and they’ll feel like they’ve got what it takes to cause a few upsets between now and May.
Team News
Furuhashi isn’t expected to play a role after coming off injured against Rangers with the rest of the squad being deemed fully fit.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are so often the team to beat at this level and surprise surprise, that’s the case again this time around. They’ve been positioned as underdogs, they’ve been positioned as juggernauts and even though they seem to fall nicely between the lines from a quality perspective, they just know how to win when it matters them most – as we saw in their insane run to Paris.
Team News
Odriozola is a fitness concern with Kroos being tipped to feature after not playing at the weekend.
Factors to Consider
- Madrid are the reigning European champions after beating Liverpool in last season’s final.
- Celtic have won their last six games.
- Madrid have won their last six games.
- Celtic have scored 27 goals and conceded two in their last six games.
- Madrid have scored 15 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
Conclusion
The atmosphere alone is going to be absolutely insane in Glasgow and call us crazy, but we think Celtic are going to take the lead here. It’ll probably come from a fortunate set piece but their confidence right now can’t be overlooked, especially under the lights. In the end, though, Real will slowly but surely take over, eventually registering a 2-1 win to get things up and running with a big win.
Prediction: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: 888sport
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