Celtic vs Feyenoord
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday
13th December 2023
Celtic Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Champions League fixture between Celtic and Feyenoord.
Celtic vs Feyenoord: Preview
Celtic form analysis
The Bhoys have endured a sobering return to the Champions League this season, exiting at the group stage without registering a victory. Despite encouraging spells against Feyenoord, defensive errors and lack of ruthlessness cost them in a 2-0 opening loss. This profligacy persisted against Lazio as a sole Kyogo Furuhashi goal failed to secure points in a 2-1 defeat. However, signs of progress followed in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Atlético Madrid, stunning the Spaniards twice through Furuhashi and Luis Palma despite losing leads.
Any momentum quickly faded though as a humiliating 6-0 thrashing in Madrid highlighted the gulf in quality. Celtic ended their European campaign with an inefficient 2-0 loss at home to Lazio, devoid of attacking spark as Ciro Immobile’s double emphasized their struggles. Over this period, they would have faced harsh realities over the work required to make Celtic competitive at this level. Defensive lapses and chance conversion issues undermined bright moments but could provide foundations going forward if addressed efficiently amidst a strong domestic showing.
Feyenoord form analysis
Feyenoord produced encouraging performances during their first Champions League campaign since 2002 but were ultimately outclassed. They laid down an early marker by dispatching Celtic 2-0 in their opener, inspired by goals from Crysencio Summerville and Alireza Jahanbakhsh. This determination continued against Atlético Madrid, twice leading through fortuitous goals before succumbing 3-2. Building on these bright moments, an emphatic 3-1 home win over Lazio followed as Sebastian Gimenez grabbed a brace.
However, Feyenoord struggled to back up these statement displays, edged 1-0 in the away trip to Rome. Their disappointing European exit was confirmed after a 3-1 thrashing by Atleti, overwhelmed after Gimenez’s early own goal. Over this period, manager Arne Slot will have faced harsh realities over the work required to thrive at this level but the experience should aid Feyenoord’s progress. Defensive lapses and concentration issues undermined their impressive moments but playing without fear could provide foundations going forward amidst Eredivisie title aspirations.
