Every game in the Champions League is of monumental importance and matchday two is no different for Celtic.
A duel with Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw appears an opportunity to get a result. However, the Ukrainians are no pushovers – as they ably demonstrated in their thrilling 4-1 win away to Leipzig. As Marian Shved said, the club is fuelled by national pride. But Celtic are unlikely to be suffering a crisis of confidence despite Real Madrid pulling away during their 3-0 triumph at Parkhead.
Ange Postecoglou 's thrilling brand of football has reaped rewards domestically and the manager is aiming to make a mark in the Champions League in his first season dining at European football's top table. The stakes couldn't be higher and the Scottish Premiership champions will be keen to make sure their Group F rivals don't open up a six-point gap before their double header against Real Madrid.
Record Sport's writers have made their picks ahead of the big one.
Craig Swan
Shakhtar were brilliant on night one against Leipzig and showed real threat. Celtic also have scoring talents and this could be an enthralling encounter between two positively-minded sides in Warsaw.
Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Celtic 2
Michael Gannon
Shakhtar showed against Leipzig they are a dangerous side and Celtic have their work cut out. Ange Postecoglou’s side have the firepower to trouble the Ukrainians though and they can get up and running in the group.
Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Celtic 2
Keith Jackson
Celtic set a high bar for themselves against Real Madrid despite the 3-0 defeat. Perform to that level against Shakhtar and, logic dictates, the result ought to be better. But this could provide a more accurate gauge of how Angeball works at the highest level – and the Ukrainians will be dangerous on the break. It could be a thrilling, high-scoring encounter.
Shakhtar 3 Celtic 3
Fraser Wilson
A huge test awaits the Hoops in Poland against a team bang on form. But Celtic also look like they’re close to full throttle and a victory here could be pivotal to chances of reaching the latter stages. Goals look likely at both ends. Keep Marian Shved and Co quiet and Celtic can take the points.
Shakhtar 1 Celtic 2
Andy Newport
The Ukainians stunned RB Leipzig last week but Celtic should be full of confidence themselves having routed Rangers and run Real Madrid close for 45 minutes. They’ll need to maintain that blistering early tempo for longer but if they can keep the foot down, Shakhtar will find it hard to stay with Postecoglou’s men.
Shakhtar 0 Celtic 1
David McCarthy
This could be a cracker with goals aplenty as both sides pack some serious firepower. Shakhtar will be full of confidence after beating Leipzig so comprehensively but Celtic need something from the game and can take at least a point.
Shakhtar 2 Celtic 2
Graeme Young
Celtic have endured some chastening away days in the Champions League over the years but Postecoglou's side can be trusted to score goals on their travels. They managed eight combined in the Europa League group stage. However, Shakhtar are playing for something greater than three points and will likely have enough to avoid defeat and back up their rousing win over Leipzig.
Shakhtar 2 Celtic 2
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