Champions League: Analysing British Hopes of Winning
Celtic 
Recording their dramatic first away win in the current Champions league format highlights the challenge faced by the most dominant side in Scottish football. That victory against a strong Spartak Moscow side may kick start a new era for Celtic in Europe. Although the Glasgow clubs aspirations may not be as lofty as the other teams mentioned here they have a pretty solid squad, particularly with emergence of Gary Hooper. The 25 year old has already been touted as a future England international and hopefully he can state his case by prolonging Celtics involvement out of the group stages this year. It is a feat not achieved since ?? and again goes to show the jump required for Celtic to succeed in the Champions league. Being solid at the back will help, but if Celtic wish to progress they must try to go at the opposition in a similar way against Moscow. They may get thumped for being adventurous against quality sides, but upsets require a little risk, some belief and a lot of luck. Hopefully, Celtic can foster that belief into better and better performances for the second half of the group stage. With respect to the other SPL clubs, the absence of Rangers has pretty much ensured Celtic domination domestically and this could hopefully allow Lennon the luxury of focusing his squad rotation on Champions league fixtures. By having rested players the team can cause problems with their characteristic tenacity. Group G will bring test after test for Celtic with Barcelona, Spartak and Benfica to overcome. The task might be too much, although there is a slim chance of victory against Benfica Celtic have to approach the game positively to give themselves any chance. All in all its a huge ask for the team to top the group, but second position is well within their sights. Lennon must become the consummate motivator for his team to perform at the same level as against Spartak Moscow and hope for a few slices of luck along the way. Prediction: Without the pressure of Rangers domestically Celtic can really focus on Europe this term. Though as a squad they lack the strength to go far in the knockout stages. Still, Celtic Park is always a hard place to play and hopefully their first away win will lead to better performances abroad. At least a Europa League place is achievable for the hoops, but reaching for a place in the knockout stages could just be within Celtics grasp.