Brendan Rodgers names Celtic team to face Atletico Madrid in Champions League

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has named his side to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The Scottish champions face La Liga opposition at home in the third game of the group stage and are hoping to earn their first points in the competition.

Rodgers has admitted his side need to take something from the match to boost their hopes of European football after Christmas, having lost their first two games.

Celtic were beaten 2-0 away at Feyenoord on matchday one, and had two players sent off. They suffered further disappointment at home to Lazio in the second game, taking an early lead through Kyogo Furuhashi before the Italian side equalised and then took all three points with a winning goal deep into injury time.

A strong team has been named for the visit of Atletico, with Diego Simeone’s team considered favourites to top the section.

Joe Hart is in goal from Celtic, with a four-man defence of Greg Taylor, Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston.

Captain Callum McGregor plays alongside Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley in midfield, while Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda flank Furuhashi in attack.

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Here's how the Celts will line up to face Atletico Madrid in Paradise! 🔢#CelticAtleticoMadrid | #UCL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/JklLNS249h
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 25, 2023