In the aftermath of Tuesday’s game, conversation has naturally turned to what Celtic needs to do to qualify, and some are frantically doing the math. The performance and result have sparked talk on whether it’s realistic to aim beyond just reaching the playoff round—which most agree we’re likely to achieve—and instead set our sights on the top eight.
This isn’t a small matter. Aside from the prestige, a top-eight finish would see us in the round of 16 and pocketing a hefty £11 million on top of what we’ve already earned.
That’s not just a bonus; it’s a game-changer.
So, what would it take? I’ve already mentioned that I think 16 points could do it. Some reckon we might need as many as 19, which would mean winning every remaining game.
But I don’t believe it’ll take that much. With other teams knocking each other off, I think 16 points would give us a solid chance.
Obviously, this won’t be easy. It would require us to win our final two home games and one of our away matches. The away game we all have in mind is the one in Zagreb. It’s hardly a walk in the park—they’re a good side and will push us hard.
And before we even get to that, we face Brugge at home. They beat Aston Villa last night, an impressive result that shows they’ll be no easy task. But if we beat them, we head to Zurich in a strong position with 10 points, which should be enough to secure a playoff spot.
If we go to Zurich and win, taking us to 13 points, then things get very interesting. It would leave us in a prime position, albeit not guaranteed, but high enough to be seeded for the playoffs at worst. That would give us a real chance of making the last 16 and claiming that £11 million prize whether we get that top eight spot or have to play that qualifier to do it.
On the way home from the game, I heard Tom English on the BBC make an interesting point. He said it might be time to reassess what this Celtic side is truly capable of. And he’s not wrong.
Tuesday wasn’t just about the result—it was a performance of genuine quality and fearlessness, the kind that suggests we can be confident in our remaining fixtures and potentially extend our stay in Europe even further.
On paper, this was the toughest of the home games. We won’t underestimate the Belgians or the Swiss, but we’ve navigated a difficult challenge and come out with three points. This comes off the back of a strong showing in Bergamo, where we took a point from a top-five league team. In these past two games, we’ve displayed a new level of defensive solidity and composure.
Tuesday’s match was impressive not only because of the result but also for our resilience. Conceding first didn’t rattle us as it has in the past. We held firm, steadied ourselves, and climbed back into the game. Once we drew level, we took control and never looked back. That’s why the confidence many of us feel now isn’t misplaced.
Even the most ardent anti-Celtic voices in the media haven’t downplayed this. They know what they watched. It was an exceptional European display. Figures like Spiers, who invited me on his podcast yesterday to discuss it, as well as others like English, have called it Celtic’s best European performance in decades. Neil Lennon even skipped over his own Champions League win against Barcelona to hail it as the best since Martin O’Neill’s era.
So, no, we’re not overreacting, nor are we getting hysterical, as certain fan forums—not ours—suggest. We’re justified in our optimism.
We have every right to feel like we’re on the brink of something special, and we need to keep that energy up, especially as we head into the weekend and then another international break. I hate those breaks with a passion right now, but once they’re over, we’re right into it with the home game against the Belgians and maybe, just maybe, a real shot at glory.
My first Celtic game was in 1975. I may have seen more exciting games but don’t remember seeing a better organised, professional and overal brilliant team performance as this. Tactically fantastic and executed wonderfully by every single player.
I think we should all wind our necks in and be a bit more pragmatic in our approach and attitudes. Being quietly optimistic is one thing, but lets’ not get too carried away, for that almost always ends up with a harsh lesson that bites you on the bum, Follow the team’s example and look no further forward than the next game, the future is too unpredictable.
This exactly Johnny – one game at a time. BR was quite clear on Tuesday night that the focus is now Kilmarnock and we should follow his example.
And every game in Europe will be tough and require 100% focus – there are no gimmes.
As you say, we are definitely not getting hysterical, over excited or any other form of hyperbole that might convey the wrong impression.
Our club and team are presently in a fantastic place, and that is clearly evident, even to our most ardent critics.
The mantra, for me, and should always continue to be, is that we take one game at a time, and the next one, away to Kilmarnock, is our most important one.
Europe shall certainly take care of itself, but if we can steer clear of injuries to key personnel, then our squad depth, should be able to cope with the intense schedule & pressure we shall face over the winter period !
I believe everything happens for a reason, and that includes any setbacks we may get, along the many journeys you have to face in football.
“Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.”
As previously mentioned, if we can secure BR on an extended contract, and he, Tisdale, and our board work in a collective and positive manner, there is no end, to what can be achieved !
European progress is great and a next level of success would be fantastic.
However for now, it’s back to the excitement of the SPFL and the lovely plastic pitch at Rugby Park !
Agree about the international breaks. That’s the 3rd one so far this season. It is far too disruptive to the club football programme which, after-all, is what pays the players’ wages.
James, Young Boys are from Berne and they are coming to us. Have I misunderstood you?
The blog is great but the advertising pop ups are getting immensely distracting?
Wonderful performance, certainly the best in many, many years. A first team squad performing, rotating and delivering great football. What seemed before to be endless circulation and recirculation is now performed at much greater speed and with more potency end product and delight. A note of caution and context if I may, not to forget the kindness of this year’s draw and the avoidance of multiple top echelon sides. But now is the time to plant seeds and invest the surplus in human capital and infrastructure advantage to secure the next generations place as the forces of darkness consume themselves.
Imagine how proud Jock Stein would have been to have watched Celtic play on Tuesday evening
Tuesday was a follow in from the excellent performance against Aberdeen so the confidence and the hope this time is that we’ve raised our level. It’s not just we had our day against Leipzig, it seems we won because we play better football and if we can keep doing it then the confidence is justified. We shouldn’t expect to beat anyone in the CL, every win is a good win.
It’s a great format indeed and I’m like every other Celtic supporter very much enjoying it…
I think we’ll just fall short of Auto last 16 but be seeded play off places…
Two more games to get to the last sixteen –
Could be drama all the way…
Definitely rather be in it than Sevco watching us and GREEN with envy !