Sport Nation 2Celtic’s journey in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League has been a mixed experience thus far. The Scottish club started their campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory against Slovan Bratislava, a result that momentarily placed them second in their group, behind only Bayern Munich. This thrilling win was a reminder of Celtic’s potential on the European stage, especially given their recent struggles to compete at the highest level.
However, their next match against Borussia Dortmund offered a harsh reality check. Celtic were thoroughly outclassed in a 7-1 defeat at Signal Iduna Park. The loss exposed some vulnerabilities in Brendan Rodgers’ side, particularly against top-tier European opposition. Now, Celtic find themselves in the playoff spots of their group, and while progression to the knockout rounds remains a possibility, the team must perform well in their remaining ‘winnable’ games if they are to advance.
One such winnable match will be against Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, a team with its own aspirations in Europe. However, Celtic will face a tough challenge, particularly with Dinamo boasting a player who has garnered significant attention: Martin Baturina.
Martin Baturina: The Next Luka Modric?
Baturina, who plays as a midfielder for Dinamo Zagreb, has been tipped as a rising star in Croatian football. His talent has not gone unnoticed by one of Croatia’s greatest footballers, Luka Modric, who recently spoke highly of Baturina’s potential.
In an interview with the Daily Record, Modric expressed confidence that Baturina could one day become a key player for the Croatian national team, much like himself. Modric said:
“We’ll see. Martin is on his way, he’s a great talent, that’s for sure. Now, it’s up to him to train and work hard. I believe one day he’ll be a key player for the national team, as I was. He has a lot of potential and quality. But it’s up to him. He has to improve every day and learn.”
Modric’s endorsement of Baturina speaks volumes about the young midfielder’s abilities. With the comparisons to Modric already being made, it’s clear that the Dinamo star has the potential to make a significant impact on the pitch. Celtic will need to keep a close eye on Baturina when they face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League later this season.
A Threat to Celtic’s European Ambitions
Celtic may have seen Dinamo Zagreb as a winnable match, but the presence of Baturina adds an element of unpredictability to the fixture. Dinamo Zagreb are known for producing talented players, and Baturina is emerging as one of their brightest prospects.
Rumors have been circulating that some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, are keen to secure Baturina’s services. This further highlights the level of talent Celtic will face. Baturina’s presence on the field could easily turn the game in Dinamo’s favor if Celtic aren’t careful. In previous seasons, Celtic have faced challenges against players with standout performances—most notably, the stunning display by Mykhailo Mudryk, who tormented them in a past encounter.
The pressure will be on Celtic to ensure that they don’t allow Baturina or any other players from Dinamo to dominate the match. With qualification to the knockout stages still in play, Celtic must ensure that they capitalize on their “winnable” fixtures, starting with their encounter against Dinamo.
What Celtic Needs to Do
To have any hope of progressing in the Champions League, Celtic will need to be more composed and tactically astute in the upcoming matches. While their opening win against Slovan Bratislava was a positive start, the defeat to Dortmund highlighted the gaps in their play when up against elite competition.
Brendan Rodgers, who has been tasked with leading Celtic back to the top of Europe, will need to refine his team’s strategy, particularly in defense. Celtic’s shaky backline was exposed in Germany, and they cannot afford similar lapses against Dinamo Zagreb or other upcoming opponents. Keeping tabs on Baturina will be crucial, but Celtic will also have to account for the overall strength of Dinamo as a team.
Rodgers will likely focus on ensuring that his midfield works hard to neutralize Baturina, but he’ll also need to address any defensive frailties that were evident in their heavy loss to Dortmund. The Celtic defense must be organized and disciplined to avoid being caught out by Dinamo’s counter-attacks or dynamic attacking play.
Moreover, Celtic’s attack will need to be more clinical in front of goal. While they managed to score five goals against Slovan Bratislava, their performance in Germany was far from ideal. For Celtic to progress, they’ll need to capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially in matches where they are favored to win.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Qualification
With several games remaining in the group stage, Celtic’s Champions League destiny is still very much in their hands. But to advance, they will need to earn crucial points from their remaining fixtures, including the matchup against Dinamo Zagreb.
For Celtic fans, the excitement of European football always carries high expectations. The club’s recent performances have shown flashes of brilliance, but also the need for improvements. If Celtic can manage to control games, remain disciplined defensively, and make the most of their attacking chances, they can still dream of reaching the knockout stages.
Dinamo Zagreb, with players like Baturina, will undoubtedly prove a tough opponent, but Celtic will need to rise to the occasion. The game against Dinamo will be a pivotal moment in Celtic’s campaign, and a victory could give them the momentum needed to make a deep run in the tournament.
In the end, Celtic’s Champions League hopes could rest on how well they handle the rising stars in Europe, like Martin Baturina, and whether they can learn from their previous setbacks. It’s a big challenge ahead, but with focus and determination, Celtic can still secure a place in the next round.
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