Celtic’s Champions League Knockout Tie: Dates & Home First Leg

Celtic are through to the Champions League knockout stages and will face a blockbuster tie against either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-off round.

Brendan Rodgers’ side secured their place in the knockout round after finishing 21st in the league phase, setting up a mouth-watering clash with one of Europe’s elite.

The draw will take place on Friday at 11 am when Celtic will learn whether they will be heading to the Allianz Arena or the Santiago Bernabéu.

With Bayern and Real both seeded, they will play the return leg at home, meaning Celtic Park will host one of the two giants on either the 11th or 12th of February. The second leg will take place a week later on the 18th or 19th. [UEFA]

Daixen Maeda will miss the home leg through suspension but will be available for the return.

Both potential opponents bring serious pedigree. Real Madrid is the most successful club in the competition’s history, with 14 titles, while Bayern Munich has lifted the trophy six times and remains one of Europe’s most formidable sides.

For Celtic, this represents another chance to show their progress on the biggest stage. Rodgers’ men have already impressed with wins over RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava, but this will be another level entirely.

All eyes now turn to Friday’s draw, when Celtic’s fate will be sealed. Either way, a huge European night is on the horizon at Paradise.