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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Celtic are benefiting from Champions League format change, says Parkhead icon

Legendary Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is thrilled to see his old club back in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League following a 12-year absence.

And he believes the new format has been a great benefit to them.

Brendan Rodgers guided the Hoops to 21st place in the 36-team league-phase standings, which guaranteed a play-off to reach the last-16. 

Celtic host German heavyweights Bayern Munich in the first-leg at Parkhead on Wednesday evening.

Discussing Celtic’s European journey so far, O’Neill told Premier Sports: “It’s really exciting for them. It's been fantastic. I think the competition has really suited them, because you know, you’ve got the thirty-six teams in there. You are not playing the same team home and away. You’ve got a chance. There’s a change.

"I thought the old format was really tired. I actually like this particular format. And again, suiting a team like Celtic in this particular minute, in terms of their development, because only twelve teams dropped out of it.

"Now they've got a phenomenal tie to look forward to. Celtic Park will be absolutely rocking, and they have deserved it too. It will be terrific, it's like a throwback to the old days.”


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O'Neill actually managed Celtic during a Champions League campaign where they faced Bayern both home and away.

In November 2003, the Scottish side earned a credible 0-0 home draw. While, they lost 2-1 in Munich a few months earlier with the ex-Celtic gaffer still questioning his goalkeeper's role in that defeat over 21-years later.

Reflecting on those special matches, O'Neill commented: "Absolutely, we played Bayern Munich and we drew at our ground. We were 1-0 up as well in Munich, I think it was the old stadium in Munich, and we threw it away. I think it was Magnus Hedman who was in our goal at the time, he will not be listening tonight, it was his fault. 

"We honestly really should've won the game out in Munich at the time. Obviously Bayern were a very strong side at the time."

(Image: Premier Sports)

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