Credit must occasionally be given where it’s due, even in Scottish football. Ally McCoist, the Ibrox icon and staunch Rangers man, has admitted — albeit with a heavy heart — that Celtic’s performances in the Champions League this season deserve plaudits. Speaking on the airwaves, McCoist didn’t shy away from offering begrudging respect to Celtic, despite confessing it “breaks my heart to say it.”
“You’ve Got to Be Honest”
McCoist’s comments came as he reflected on Celtic’s mixed but largely positive European campaign in the new Champions League format. While acknowledging the early stumble in Dortmund — where the Hoops suffered a chastening 7-1 defeat — McCoist was quick to highlight the resilience Brendan Rodgers’ side have shown since.
“The results have been great,” McCoist admitted on TNT Youtube. “The performance at home to Leipzig was as good as anything I have seen from Celtic in Europe in a long, long time. They are a good team. Very good team, by far and away, at this moment in time. Breaks my heart to say it, but you have got to be honest. By far and away the best team in the country.”
Celtic’s 3-1 triumph over RB Leipzig was indeed a standout, showcasing a blend of intensity, tactical sharpness, and clinical finishing. It marked a turning point after the debacle in Dortmund, with McCoist also acknowledging their solid displays against Atalanta (0-0 away) and Club Brugge (1-1 at home).
Recovery and Resilience
Celtic’s results so far have painted a picture of a team capable of competing with Europe’s elite on their day. A thumping 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava set the tone, but the brutal lesson in Dortmund could have derailed lesser sides. Instead, Rodgers men bounced back emphatically, proving their mettle in back-to-back home fixtures and securing a valuable point on the road in Bergamo.
“They had a good performance in Atalanta,” McCoist continued. “They came away with a draw. Good result. After a really shocking result in Dortmund where they got taken to the cleaners. But they haven’t half recovered well.”
For McCoist, admitting Celtic’s superiority is no small concession. The former Rangers striker and manager has seen his fair share of fierce derby battles, but he wasn’t afraid to call a spade a spade. “They’re by far and away the best team in the country,” he conceded, acknowledging the gap Celtic have created at home while flying the flag for Scotland in Europe.
A Campaign Still Alive
With three group games remaining, Celtic’s European fate is in their hands. They’ve proven their ability to go toe-to-toe with high-calibre opponents, and their progress under Rodgers is evident. Celtic fans won’t take much from McCoist’s words for pointing out the obvious.
Celtic and Rangers will face off on Sunday in the League Cup final. We think Celtic’s love will be short-lived!
