Daily Record experts give their Champions League verdict on Celtic’s chances

Three Daily Record reports have given their verdicts on Celtic’s Champions League prospects.

Since Thursday’s draw was made Real Madrid has dominated the thoughts of the Celtic supporters with the cup holders looking certain to progress into the last 16.

After that there is less certainty, Shakhtar Donetsk might be the pot 3 club but with more important matters going on around them and their home matches switched to Poland it looks like a big challenge for them to make an impact.

That leaves Celtic and RB Leipzig, back in 2018/19 they were in a similar situation in the Europa League with RB Salzburg dominating the group and Rosenborg finishing in bottom place.

A repeat of that scenario could be on the cards, Celtic won at home and lost in Leipzig but went through when Rosenborg managed a draw away to the German giants.

The Record reports:

Can Ange Postecoglou’s side take a top two spot in among Real Madrid, Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk in Group F?

CRAIG: SWAN: Real Madrid are clear favourites to win the section. Celtic are underdogs to get through, but can have a go and make third.

MICHAEL GANNON: Celtic couldn’t have asked for much more. Real will bring the glamour and they’ll cruise to the top but the other sides give Celts hope. This could be a cut throat section where eight points is enough. Like Gers, even third spot would be good.

FRASER WILSON: Again outside the glamour tie against the European champions should Celtic really be fearful of Leipzig side that finished fourth last season and has yet to win after three games? The two games against Shakhtar could be key.

Celtic open up at home to Real Madrid on September 6 and finish their campaign in the Bernabeu on November 2. The Leipzig matches are on Matchday 3 and 4.