Daizen Maeda has named Real Madrid as an opponent he would like to face in the Champions League this season.
The Japanese attacker is eager to face the Spanish giants yet again despite losing 8-1 over two matches against them last season.
The 25-year-old doesn’t want his own back on Real but would rather like to face them to disclose his team’s improvements. He said (Glasgow Times): “I do think about playing Real Madrid again, not for revenge, but to show that any team that comes up to the Champions League is strong and that we can get wins and show we are a different team. I want us to demonstrate that.”
In this season’s Champions League, one thing Celtic must do is take their chances. In 2022/23, the Hoops failed to do so and were left punished because of it. Maeda was guilty of missing several opportunities, but he clearly believes the Bhoys are better this time around.
Going on recent form, though, if Celtic were to play Champions League football right now, things would get rather tough. The squad is not currently cut out for Europe’s premier club competition, but it could well be eventually with further recruitment and returns from injury.
