Celtic’s resources may be depleted; however, this club merits an opportunity to pursue its Champions League aspirations.

The record books will not include an asterisk denoting a cup final alongside Celtic’s Champions League match against Young Boys; however, such an annotation would be warranted.

On the precipice of what could be a momentous evening for the preeminent champions of Scottish football, both manager Brendan Rodgers and captain Callum McGregor acknowledged the significant reward at stake for Celtic in their encounter against the Swiss team.

Should Celtic emerge victorious against Young Boys, they will not be awarded a crown; however, in numerous respects, this achievement may hold greater significance than their recent accolades. Celtic has long sought advancement to the knockout stages of Europe’s foremost competition for a duration of twelve years.

The most recent occasion on which they interacted with European nobility following the group stages occurred during the 2012/13 season, when a victory against Spartak Moscow ensured their advancement to a round of 16 matchup against Juventus.During that season, McGregor served as a ballboy for Celtic, and leading the team into such an atmosphere would be a notable achievement, further enhancing his already distinguished reputation.

“You aspire to continually challenge yourself at the highest level,” the 31-year-old remarked, “and the Champions League undoubtedly represents that pinnacle.” “We aspire to compete alongside the industry’s leading entities.”

Consequently, Celtic currently occupies the ninth position in this extensive 36-team league. The best eight teams automatically progress to the Round of 16, a feat that seems unattainable for Celtic, even if they were to secure victories against Young Boys and subsequently Aston Villa in the following week.

However, securing a position within the top 24 is firmly within Celtic’s reach. As they approach Gameweek Seven while positioned in 21st place, a victory against the Swiss team would elevate their total points to 12.

Esteemed mathematicians, possessing far greater wisdom than this writer, assert that the number 11 is the pivotal figure that guarantees an opportunity to compete in the playoff round. Celtic is deserving of this opportunity for triumph. Following their defeat in Dortmund on October 1, many had dismissed their prospects.

Rodgers has adjusted his team’s mentality in the Champions League, resulting in a more pragmatic style of play. The manager articulated that both his team and he have experienced significant maturation throughout the campaign. From a tactical perspective, Celtic appears significantly more proficient at this level.

Advertisement Rodgers highlighted the stalemate in Bergamo and the significant victory against Leipzig as exemplars of the development occurring within the Celtic dressing room this season. “Every circumstance presents an opportunity for learning,” Rodgers remarked regarding his team.

“I believe that maturity is derived from one’s experiences.” Following the match against Dortmund, it would have been quite simple to react with extreme frustration; however, such a response is unwarranted, particularly when collaborating with a team that demonstrates unwavering commitment and effort on a daily basis.