The Champions League draw has taken place, and Celtic now know their eight opponents in the revamped competition. This season marks the beginning of a new era in European football, with a shift to a league format that promises more high-stakes matches and plenty of excitement for fans. The Hoops will face four of these opponents at home and four away, setting the stage for a thrilling group of fixtures.

Gone are the traditional groups of four, replaced by a league-style setup where each team plays eight matches against different opponents. The top 24 teams from the league phase will advance, with the top eight earning direct qualification to the knockout rounds. This new format means more games against a diverse range of Europe’s top sides, offering Celtic a chance to test themselves against a wider array of opponents.

For Brendan Rodgers and his squad, the challenge is immense but also filled with opportunities. With more games to play, there’s a greater chance to accumulate points and make a real push for the knockout stages. However, consistency will be key—every match will matter more than ever.

Rodgers will need to balance domestic duties with this increased European workload. The depth and fitness of the squad will be tested like never before, and tactical flexibility will be crucial as the Bhoys prepare for a variety of playing styles from across the continent.

Celtic’s home fixtures will be particularly important. The atmosphere at Celtic Park has always been a significant factor in European nights, and the fans will need to turn it up even more with the expanded schedule. Securing points at home will be crucial, while the away fixtures will demand resilience and composure from the team.

In this demanding format, the likes of Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Reo Hatate will be vital to Celtic’s chances. McGregor’s leadership in midfield will be crucial, especially in maintaining control against high-calibre opponents. Meanwhile, Kyogo’s sharpness in front of goal and Hatate’s creativity could make the difference in tight matches.

The depth of the squad will also come into play, with every player needing to be ready to step up when called upon. Rodgers may have to rotate his squad more than usual to keep players fresh for both European and domestic duties.

Here’s who Celtic will face in the Champions League league phase:

1. Leipzig (H)
2. Dortmund (A)
3. Atalanta (A)
4. Brugge (H)
5. Young Boys (H)
6. GK Dynamo (A)
7. Bratislava
8. Aston Villa (A)

These fixtures will be spread out across the league phase, and the importance of each result cannot be overstated.

Trips to Germany, Italy, Croatia and England. Some very winnable ties and some really tough tests.

Celtic’s path to the knockout rounds will depend on how well they navigate these encounters. As always, the fans will play a huge role in cheering the team on to success.

Don’t go booking your trips yet, the fixtures and dates will be out on Saturday!