Celtic came out better than Manchester City, Barcelona and Borussia Monchengladbach

The international break has come at the right time for Celtic, as they enjoy a well-earned rest from domestic football. Some can put their feet up and recharge the batteries for a tricky October schedule that will have a massive impact upon the season.

Celtic won away from home less than 72 hours after a ferocious and enthralling game at Paradise against Manchester City. From a spectators point of view and for neutral fans, the free-flowing football on display from both sides was a joy to watch, and was certainly one of the best games of football this season.

From Group C, Celtic were the only team to win, as Manchester City, FC Barcelona and Borussia Monchengladbach were all beaten. All had the benefit of an extra day of rest before their respective domestic games, but all three lost. City were battered by a brilliant Tottenham side, who out-worked and out-paced Pep Guardiola’s side for 90 minutes.

Defender Erik Sviatchenko in action against Manchester City – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

In a seven-goal thriller, Celta Vigo beat Barcelona by the odd goal thanks in part to a howler from goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen. In Germany, a six-minute spell in the second-half saw his former club, Monchengladbach, crumble to Schalke as they conceded three times, before conceding a fourth with just under 10 minutes remaining.

Credit to Celtic, they looked tired on Saturday after their efforts in midweek, but they still managed to pick up three points. The results from the rest of their Champions League group stage opponents showed that is easier said than done.

Sure we can all criticise the level of Scottish football in comparison to the money rich south, but that’s exactly it, the only difference is they’re rich down south. When it’s 11 against 11, anything can happen, and Celtic were the first team to stifle Manchester City a week ago at Paradise.

Brendan Rodgers’ side went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in Europe, and comfortably the best team in England until that point, winning 10 from 10.

If that wasn’t headline worthy for some, a 13-year-old played for Celtic’s development squad (under-20’s) on Monday night against Hearts. Yes, 13! The age where everyone still has that small glimmer of hope they will make it as a footballer, and here is Karamoko Dembele coming off the bench for Celtic with nine minutes remaining.

Looking ahead to the rest of October, a run of games that include the crucial Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach in a fortnight’s time, before a League Cup semi-final against Rangers. Two huge games in the season for the club that will decide their fate in two competitions await after a home game against Motherwell.

Bhoys boss, Rodgers – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

A loss at home to the German side would likely spell the end to any hopes of progressing in European football beyond Christmas given the away record in Europe in the past and this season. Losing to Rangers would be almost unthinkable right now, it would be a sharp thorn in the side, especially after September’s 5-1 win, but at Hampden, anything can happen.

Nothing more than a win is needed, but it will certainly be more testing than last time out.

After that, two very tricky away games against Ross County in midweek and Aberdeen will be among the toughest away trips of the season. The Highland clubs have been the bogey sides for the Hoops in recent times, and will give Celtic a stern test in a tough period for Celtic.

Aberdeen are no pushovers at Pittodrie, and have won the last two meetings between the sides at their ground.

By the time November comes round, after those run of games, the next international break will be welcomed, as it will be a challenging and tiresome period for the Celtic squad, but it will show us and Rodgers the weaknesses in the squad that still need to be addressed.