Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League league phase continues on Wednesday, Sept. 18 with a contest between Celtic and Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland.
This is the first year with the new league phase format instead of a Group Stage at the UEFA Champions League, along with the other UEFA tournaments. Starting with the 2024-25 competition, the tournament increases to 36 teams instead of 32, with each team playing eight matches against two teams from each the four seeding groups. It will also feature a playoff phase that includes 16 teams fighting for the final eight spots in the knockout phase, which starts in the Round of 16. The top eight in the table are automatically placed in the Round of 16 while ninth through 24th compete in the playoff, with the bottom 12 teams being eliminated.
Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava Preview
Celtic and Slovan Bratislava meet in a crucial Matchday 1 clash in the Champions League. Both sides will be looking to make a strong start to the competition, and a victory for either team would be a significant boost to their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Celtic will be looking to build on their impressive domestic form. They are currently unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, and they have scored 14 goals in their first four matches. However, they will need to be wary of Slovan Bratislava, who are a strong side in their own right.
Slovan Bratislava finished second in the Slovakian Fortuna Liga last season, and they are the reigning Slovakian Cup champions. They have a number of experienced players in their ranks, and they will be looking to cause an upset at Celtic Park.
Key Players to Watch
Celtic:
- Kyogo Furuhashi is a key player for Celtic. The Japanese forward has scored 33 goals in 68 appearances for the club, and he will be looking to add to his tally in the Champions League.
- Matt O'Riley is a key player for Celtic in midfield. The midfielder has been in great form this season, and he will be looking to dictate the tempo of the game.
Slovan Bratislava:
- Vladimir Weiss is an experienced attacking midfielder. He has made over 300 appearances in the Slovakian Fortuna Liga, and he will be looking to cause problems for the Celtic defense.
- Erik Daniel is a key player for Slovan Bratislava in defense. The defender has been a consistent performer for the club, and he will be looking to keep Celtic's attack at bay.
Prediction
This will be a tough match for both teams. Celtic are the favorites to win, but Slovan Bratislava will be looking to cause an upset.
The home advantage should give Celtic the edge, and they are expected to win the match. However, Slovan Bratislava are a capable side and they will be looking to make life difficult for Celtic.
The game is expected to be a close one, and the outcome will likely be decided by a few key moments. Celtic will need to be at their best to win the match, but Slovan Bratislava will be looking to take advantage of any opportunities that come their way.
Where to Watch
The match is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. EST and will be broadcast exclusively on Paramount+. Fans looking to watch can do so through Paramount+, which offers exclusive live streams and on-demand replays of all UEFA Champions League matches along with a free trial when you sign up.
Final Thoughts
This is a crucial match for both teams. Celtic will be looking to make a strong start to the Champions League, while Slovan Bratislava will be looking to cause an upset. The match is sure to be a fascinating one, and fans should be in for a treat.
