All eyes were on the draw for the group stage of the Champions League last Thursday. In it, Celtic were put into Group E alongside Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, and Lazio.

It will undoubtedly be a tough section for the Bhoys but it is not one they can’t get out of. Brendan Rodgers and Co. will have realistic ambitions of making it through and securing Europe after Christmas, and centre-half Gustaf Lagerbielke is looking forward to playing in Europe’s premier club competition.

The Swedish defender recently admitted he was anxiously watching the group-stage draw. He said (Glasgow Times): “The draw was a bit surreal. I had to pinch myself that I was sitting at Celtic Park watching the Champions League draw. In fact, it’s probably the only time I’ve been nervous so far at Celtic!”

Celtic Champions League
Soccer Football – Champions League – Group Stage Draw – Grimaldi Forum, Monaco – August 31, 2023 Former Chelsea player Joe Cole draws Celtic REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

Lagerbielke’s feelings were mutual among the Hoops’ support when the group stage draw was being made. In the end, however, the Celts didn’t do as near as bad as they could’ve done.

The fixtures have also been kind to the Bhoys, and Lagerbielke is looking forward to playing in Europe’s premier club competition. He said: “But it will be fun to play in the Champions League. We play against three good teams with fantastic stadiums and fans. There will be six tough matches with an incredible setting for them all.”

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