Liam Scales, Celtic’s rising star, has set his sights on breaking a 20-year-old record as the team prepares for their upcoming Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava. This fixture marks the beginning of a new format in the tournament, and Scales is hopeful that a strong start could be a turning point for the club’s European ambitions.
Celtic’s Strong Start to the Season
Celtic’s domestic form has been exceptional so far, with the team keeping clean sheets in their first five league matches—an achievement last matched during the 1906/07 season. The club’s defensive solidity has been key to their success, and Scales is optimistic that this form can carry over into their European campaign.
Historically, Celtic’s performances in the opening games of the Champions League have been lackluster. Out of 12 group-stage matches, they have drawn two and lost ten. However, Scales believes that a victory against Slovan Bratislava could set a positive tone for the rest of their European journey.
“If we can get a result on Wednesday, it would be massive for the team,” Scales said in an interview. “A win would boost the mentality of the players and give us the momentum we need going forward.”
Aiming for the Last 16
Celtic has not won a knockout tie in the Champions League since 2004. Scales is keen to change that narrative, and the new tournament format presents an opportunity for the club to advance beyond the group stages.
“It would be amazing to get through to the last 16,” Scales stated. “With the new format, there are more games, and we have to go in with the belief that we can make it to the knockout stages. The squad is definitely capable of achieving that. We have two or three players for each position who can make a real impact, and that will push all of us to perform at our best.”
The Champions League’s revamped format means that there are additional games, giving teams like Celtic a better chance of progressing. Scales emphasized the importance of starting the campaign on a positive note, particularly as the opening match is a home fixture.
“We’re in good form, and it’s a home game, so we’re optimistic,” Scales added. “It would be fantastic to break another record this week. The fans are excited, and the atmosphere at the stadium will be electric. A win on Wednesday could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.”
Scales’ Performance and Competition
Scales has proven himself as a key player for Celtic, especially in last year’s Champions League campaign. He even earned a Player of the Match award during one of the tournament’s games. While some fans may still be undecided about his abilities, Scales has continued to impress since being called up last season.
However, Scales faces stiff competition within the squad, particularly from £6 million signing Auston Trusty. Trusty was brought in to strengthen the defensive line, but Scales’ performances have made it difficult for the new recruit to break into the starting lineup.
“It’s always good to have competition in the squad,” Scales commented. “It pushes you to perform better, and it keeps everyone on their toes. Trusty is a fantastic player, and having him around makes me want to improve even more.”
Celtic’s Champions League Hopes
Celtic’s Champions League journey has been fraught with challenges in recent years. The club has struggled to make a significant impact on the European stage, but this season could be different. With a strong domestic start and a solid squad, the Hoops are aiming to break their long-standing knockout stage drought.
Scales believes that the team is better prepared than in previous seasons, citing the depth of the squad and the quality of the players in each position. “We have a great group of players this year,” Scales said. “There’s a lot of competition for places, and that’s pushing everyone to be at their best. We’re all excited about what we can achieve this season.”
Looking Forward
As Celtic prepares for their first Champions League match, the anticipation is building among fans and players alike. A win against Slovan Bratislava could be the catalyst for a successful European campaign, and Scales is eager to make his mark on the tournament.
“This is a big moment for the club,” Scales concluded. “We’ve had a great start to the season, and now we want to carry that momentum into Europe. The fans deserve it, and we’re all determined to give it our best shot.”
With high hopes and a record-breaking mindset, Celtic is gearing up for what could be a defining season in both domestic and European competitions. The road ahead will be challenging, but with players like Liam Scales leading the charge, the Hoops are ready to take on whatever comes their way.
As the match against Slovan Bratislava draws closer, all eyes will be on Celtic Park, where the team hopes to write a new chapter in its storied history. For Scales, this is more than just another game—it’s an opportunity to break records and make a lasting impact on the club’s European legacy.