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Borussia Monchengladbach face a test of fire as they travel into the cauldron of Celtic Park today with a first Champions League Group C win at stake for both sides. Celtic’s raucous fans carried the Hoops to a 3-3 draw with Manchester City last time out and coupled with Gladbach’s poor away record the crowd could be a bankable asset again.
Andre Schubert’s Gladbach, who fell to Man City (0-4) and Barcelona (1-2), are sitting bottom of the group. They return to a city where they endured their heaviest European defeat, an 8-0 loss to Rangers in the 1960/61 European Cup Winners’ Cup, but boosted by the knowledge that Celtic are traditionally beaten by German opponents.
Celtic are unbeaten at home in 21 games and manager Brendan Rodgers is counting on the crowd again to lift his side whose hopes of qualifying for the last 16 looked to be over after a 7-0 mauling at the Nou Camp. Another mismatch of epic proportions looked on the cards when Pep Guardiola’s City visited Celtic Park looking for their 11th straight victory. However, the critics were made to eat their words as City were forced to come from behind on three occasions to grab a point following a thrilling 3-3 draw in Glasgow.
“Our objective was to look to be in Europe after Christmas,” Rodgers said. “We felt it would be great if we could do that from such a strong group. The home games are very important for us so this game against Borussia will be vital. If we can come out of the back-to-back games with four points it would put us in a great position.”
The Scottish champions have a formidable home record in Europe’s elite competition. In 25 Champions League group stage games at Celtic Park, the Hoops have lost just three, drawn six and won 16.
And having achieved his primary aim of restoring his side to the group stages of the competition, Rodgers now has his sights on further progression in Europe. “They’ll be tough and it will be a rollercoaster but, being realistic, that is what you have to aim for. You look to win your home game and get something away from home, though it is not a disaster if you don’t. “You have to earn every single point in the Champions League. We are delighted to be in this competition and will try to rinse everything we can out of it.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers keeps an eye on his players during training. (Reuters)
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