When it comes to Celtic playing away in the Champions League there are always two distinct emements to consider- the players and the fans.
On the park it was about par for the course although there was a feeling that the players didn’t do themselves justice- they looked more like the side that lost 5-0 to Paris Saint Germain than the one that beat Anderlecht 3-0.
As recent results have demonstrated, across the competition the Champions League is splitting in two with some harsh lessons being handed out.
How Celtic bridge the gap is anyone’s guess- if they are in the Champions League group phase again next season they are just as likely to come up against sides like PSG, Bayern, Manchester City or Barcelona.
Increasingly attention is turning to the Europa League as the dividend of the win away to Anderlecht is enjoyed. A 4-0 home defeat for the Belgian champions last night confirmed that barring a Scotland type disaster Celtic will be in the lesser European tournament after Christmas.
As well as progressing in the tournament every match will provide the opportunity for Rodgers to develop his players towards being competitive against the Champions League elite.
Four, six or more matches in the second half of the season would be priceless, especially with a few January signings, surely including a centre half, to bed into the side.
Regardless of how enjoyable domestic success is it’s never going to push Celtic forward as a European force. Wins over Hibs and Aberdeen over the next week will be very welcome but it’s how Celtic fare at home to Bayern that will Rodgers most insight.
Providing Jupp Heynckes side with a real test, putting them on the back foot and imposing our game on them will provide encouragement even though the match away to PSG isn’t one to look forward to.
Off the pitch Paris is the next destination for the travelling support, it will do well to live up to the charms of Munich which even put on a sunshine welcome.
Around 10,000 fans made the journey, enjoyed the food and drink, some autumn sunshine and the visit to an incredible stadium.
Lit up in red, as you approach the Allianz Arena it’s basically a space ship with a football pitch in the centre.
There can’t be a bad seat in the house with not a hint of trouble for the Celtic fans scattered in to almost every section of the home support.
Two years ago Celtic were losing back-to-back to Molde, in 2017 going into 2018 the club is making the progress every fan wishes for with the supporters appreciating every minute on the road and at home.
