The current Champions League standings present Celtic with danger and opportunity.

The other day, one of the stattos compiled a list of the games that would need to go our way for Celtic to break into the top eight in the Champions League group stage. After the latest round of matches, though, it feels a bit academic, as last night’s results didn’t swing in our favour—and, truthfully, they were never likely to.

For example, we needed Sporting Lisbon to beat Arsenal, which didn’t happen. Similarly, we needed Atalanta to drop points against Young Boys, but they didn’t oblige either.

One of the more surprising results we did require—and thankfully got—was Manchester City’s collapse to a 3-3 draw after being three goals up. That result helps us significantly; if we win tonight, it would lift us above the English club in the standings.

While we may not realistically crack the top eight this round, that doesn’t mean tonight’s game is anything less than crucial. Victory is always worthwhile, and there’s serious prize money on the line. A win tonight would not only provide a financial boost but also push us up the standings, which could be pivotal as the campaign draws to a close.

Even if automatic qualification for the last 16 is out of reach, the difference in finishing positions matters. Winning tonight would officially put several teams—RB Leipzig, Bratislava, Young Boys, Red Star Belgrade, and possibly Sturm Graz—beyond catching us in the standings. That’s significant because it secures our place outside the bottom eight, where no team wants to end up.

Currently, we sit 18th before a ball is kicked tonight. That’s a tricky spot: clear of the bottom, yes, but outside the seeded positions for the playoff draw. A victory would change that dramatically, pushing us to 10 points and vaulting us above major sides like AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, and Manchester City.

The numbers are tantalising. Arsenal, Sporting Lisbon, and Leverkusen are all in the top eight on 10 points. A win tonight would see us join that group on double digits, which is no small achievement. It wouldn’t put us in the top eight yet, but it would position us strongly for a shot at one of the coveted spots in the remaining rounds.

What’s fascinating is how tight things are across the competition. For instance, PSG, having played five matches, are currently in the bottom eight with just four points. While they’re far from finished, they face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the top 16. That means they’re a potential qualifying round opponent—a sobering prospect for any team.

This year’s format, for all the skepticism when it was introduced, has actually been a pleasant surprise. It’s turned out to be far more competitive and exciting than many of us expected, especially given that we’ve put points on the board and are in with a genuine chance of progression.

As we gear up for tonight, there’s a lot to play for and plenty to keep an eye on. The standings will remain tight until the final whistle of the last round of matches, and that’s exactly what makes this competition so engaging. Whatever happens tonight, it’s been a thrilling ride so far—and long may it continue.