GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Celtic's Daizen Maeda celebrates after scoring to make it 1-1 during a UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Celtic and Club Brugge at Celtic Park, on November 27, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
For months now, during this Champions League cycle, a lot of our fans seem to have been labouring under a major misconception—that the Aston Villa game might be a throwaway. In short, a game that the English club didn’t care whether they won or not. The idea was that we could go there without fear, enjoy the occasion, and not worry about the result. I’ve never known where this mad notion came from.
This is the Scottish Premiership title holders versus an English Premier League club. This is the arrogance and ego of the EPL clashing with this country’s biggest team. This is Brendan Rodgers back on English soil with a point to prove and some scores to settle. Why did anyone, for a second, believe this was a throwaway match? A meaningless fixture? Something neither club cared about winning or losing?
Last night, that illusion was well and truly shattered when Villa lost to Monaco. They’ll qualify—I’ve little doubt about that. They’ve done enough.
But they had their sights set on securing a place in the last 16—an automatic spot by finishing in the top eight of the group. Any thought that Villa might not field a full-strength team or give everything in pursuit of that goal against us is as forlorn as it was foolish. I always thought it was a silly notion.
Let’s add this into the mix: if we win tonight, we move to 12 points. That puts us on the cusp of the top eight ourselves, provided we can go to Villa and win. What’s more, even if we don’t quite grasp that top eight slot, fifteen points would almost certainly see us finish high in the 9-to-16 bracket, which is crucial if you want a favourable draw.
As I’ve pointed out in a previous piece, the money on offer increases depending on league position—this competition pays very well for that. The higher you finish, the more you earn.
So, this game has meaning for both teams. Both teams will try to win it, field their strongest sides, and give everything for 90 minutes. It is not a meaningless fixture; it was never going to be. I’m glad that’s now clear. I’m glad it’s official. I’m glad it’s real.
Of course, the game loses some of its significance in terms of reaching the top eight or finishing high in the 16 if we fail to win tonight. That’s why the team has to be at its absolute best to make sure that doesn’t happen.
I wouldn’t say I’ve been looking forward to the Villa game—that’s probably the wrong expression—but I never thought for a second that it was going to be a throwaway match. It’s a huge test. It’s a massive occasion. Our record against English clubs is actually pretty decent, and I’d love nothing more than to go there and put on a show. Let’s give the English media something to talk about.
We’ve all had those moments, haven’t we?
Moments over the years where we’ve been sick and tired of the patronising, condescending tones the English press take towards Scottish football and our club. How sweet would it be to travel down there, to one of their grounds, in a game they badly want to win, and absolutely clean their clock in the biggest competition of all?
Now, with everything to play for, the stakes are clear. Villa need to win to stay in the top eight; we need to win our next two games, including theirs, to have any chance of breaking into that elite bracket. Win tonight and we’re through, sure, but let’s be all we can be, eah? Villa would be a massive scalp and we should aim for it.
Not that anyone inside Celtic Park needs to be told that. I know they’ve had one eye on this match for a while. I know everyone at the club wants this win and in no small part to silence the English cretins banging on about the “best league in the world.” Just for a while. But it would be lovely. As lovely as beating Manchester United at Celtic Park. As lovely as holding Manchester City to not one but two draws. As lovely as beating Blackburn and Liverpool on our way to Seville.
So, come on Celtic. Get the result tonight. Then let’s set up the blockbuster.
Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images
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James, you failed to mention the best Battle of Britain match of them all when Celtic completely outclassed Don Revie’s Leeds United side. That was a fantastic achievement, but only an unexpected one by the Southerners, for we knew we were capable of would beating them. Villa? Bring them on!
Was at both those games Johnny in Leeds and Glasgow and yes we completely outplayed them… twice, nothing to fear from Villa, let’s get the result tonight Bhoys, then nothing to fear down south
Let’s get passed tonight and remember the arrogance of on of the presenters on the TNT sport goals show who said ” Villa slipped up but will make it as it’s Celtic at home next”. I’d love to see him eat his words or ram them where the sun don’t shine.
Don’t look past tonight.
I agree we are making a mistake looking at two games ahead.
Qualifying for the next stage tonight takes some of the pressure off the Villa game.
I’m looking forward to the Villa game, I’m going to Birmingham, does anybody know if Birmingham is a good night out, as I’ve not been before. I think Celtic will win tonight, I think they will pull out a performance, thats been lacking the last month or so. It’s the defence that’s a worry, so I’m hoping they play decent tonight, because if they do, I think we will have enough middle to front.
Been to Birmingham twice… The Town itself seems to have had a bit spent on it and has a kinda mixed type of modern type of pubs and munchi joints to choose from…
Was also in Wolverhampton (Willinhall) seems a bit kinda plain and ran down but I’m sure it’s got good enough folks as working class folks generally are…
I’d say they probably chat slightly more than London folk, but are nowhere near as chatty as The more Northern Yowns And City’s for sure and certainly not as chatty and friendly as the place of the unfashionable Football League club that I go to see a few times per season…
Somebody said there might be a Celtic fanzone but that was pub chat so not sure if any truth in that or not and best check out on official club website or reliable Celtic fan forums…
But most definitely reliable info from myself – If Celtic are in town any Irish pub is the place to be for sure, a great old sing song, great craic and banter, and munchies if the kitchen staff are on, probably a live band if Celtic are in town as well…
Any Irish bars worldwide are awesome and I don’t think Birmingham will be any different…
Of course there is the danger that the Musk and Trump lover brigade will use social media to try to oscertrate an ambush of sorts on Celtic supporters that they perceive as a left wing club, but hopefully the English cops will be onto such online plans and nip it in the bud in a way Scottish one’s seem unable to these days (Union Bears running amok in glad and all that)…
But – Safety in numbers, well policed fanzones (if there) and it should all be ok…
But a visit to any Irish Bars will be the biggest winner for sure !
Could not give a f—k if it’s a good night out as long as the team performers on the park.Worry about tonight’s game first.
Definitely need to concentrate on tonight for sure !
No excuses Battle of Britain the Celts want desperately to come out on top. Bring it on. Good win for the bhoys tonight to set us up for the game In England.
Watched the Villa game last night, couldn’t believe how ordinary Villa were. The big one is tonight, get the job done and next week will take care of itself.
I would love to stick it right down their arrogant English throats.Let’s hope their overconfidence makes them underestimate us.