Celtic’s qualification for the Champions League knock-out stages is their greatest achievement on the European scene since they lost the 2003 UEFA Cup final in extra-time.
With the paucity of resources at Neil Lennon’s disposal, getting out of a group containing Barcelona and last season’s quarter-finalists Benfica is a monumental achievement.
But progression beyond the last-16 would seem to be beyond the Hoops if conventional wisdom is applied.
However football is a funny old game and nothing can be ruled for Lennon’s team.
The draw for the knockout stages takes place on December 20 but Celtic already know that they are second seeds.
They will also know that they cannot face Barcelona in the next round as both teams progressed from the same group.
That leaves seven possible candidates: PSG, Schalke, Malaga, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Underdogs tag
The underdogs tag will suit Celtic down to the ground but the Hoops will still hope to avoid German opposition, particularly Bayern and Dortmund.
The Bundesliga duo and Schalke impressed heavily in the group stages.
Juventus are also formidable opponents while Manchester United would likely prove too strong despite defensive frailties.
Star-studded PSG would provide an intriguing prospect. The French giants may have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Thiago Silva in their ranks but disciplined teams in their domestic league have nullified their narrow formation this season – a tactic which Celtic used to their profit in the group stages.
Malaga might have financial issues but they have won admirers after their stellar success in topping a group featuring AC Milan, Zenit St Petersburg and Belgian champions Anderlecht.
The Andalusians also have one of European football’s best coaches in Manuel Pellegrini which makes them dangerous opponents.
Celtic will have their work cut out regardless of who they meet in the next round. But over two legs, if they can conjure up performances similar to the win over Barcelona then they should never be written off.
