A Wakeup Call for Celtic? Celtic TOLD What They Need to Do to Reach the Knockout Stage of UCL and What a Win Vs Liepzig Would Mean in Their Qualification….

Celtic’s Champions League Hopes: What They Need to Do to Reach the Knockout Stage

Celtic welcomes RB Leipzig to Celtic Park tonight, seeking a crucial victory to boost their Champions League knockout stage aspirations. Brendan Rodgers’ side is brimming with confidence after their 6-0 thrashing of Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.

Currently 20th in the Champions League table with four points from three games, Celtic requires a strong finish to secure a spot in the last 16. Here’s what they need to do:

Remaining Fixtures:

• Nov 27: Club Brugge (H)
• Dec 10: Dinamo Zagreb (A)
• Jan 22: Young Boys (H)
• Jan 29: Aston Villa (A)

Qualification Scenarios:

• A win over Leipzig tonight wouldn’t guarantee qualification, but it would significantly enhance their chances.
• Two more wins would ensure a play-off spot, with a potential last 16 berth.
• 16 points from a possible 24 are likely needed to finish in the top eight and secure automatic qualification.
• 15 points may also suffice for eighth place.

Current Standings:

Celtic has beaten Slovan Bratislava 5-1, drawn 0-0 with Atalanta, and lost 7-1 to Borussia Dortmund.

UEFA Champions League Format:

• Top eight teams qualify automatically for the round of 16.
• Teams finishing 9th-24th enter a two-legged knockout phase play-off.
• Clubs below 25th are eliminated, with no UEFA Europa League drop-down.

A victory over Leipzig would propel Celtic toward securing a knockout stage spot. With five league phase games remaining, Rodgers’ side is poised to make a deep Champions League run.