Aug 1, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy goalie Brian Rowe kicks the ball against Real Madrid during a friendly match at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Real Madrid defeated the Galaxy 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Scottish side Celtic is hosting Shakhter Karagandy of Kazakhstan in the second round of a playoff to qualify for the prestigious UEFA’s Champions League tournament. The winner of this home-and-away series determined on an aggregate score will advance to the group stage of the tournament.
The Champions League is considered the most prestigious soccer tournament in Europe.
Date: August 28
Start Time: 2:45 pm ET
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Stadium: Celtic Park
TV Info: FOX Soccer, FOX Deportes
Live Stream: FOX Soccer 2 Go
Repeat broadcasts: August 29, 9 pm FOX Soccer Plus, August 30, 5 pm FOX Deportes, September 2 11 pm FOX Soccer Plus
Aggregate Score: Celtic 0 – Shakhter Karagandy 2
The Scottish side are down 2 goals in second leg of this Champions League playoffs. If they can muster up two goals, while keeping a clean sheet, they’ll force extra time and potentially penalty kicks. If they can get 3 goals they’ll win out right if they’re clinging onto that clean sheet.
Celtic has a history of shocking Champions League opponents in Celtic Park. Last year they had an emotional victory over Barcelona behind the foot of a teenager. Celtic manager Neil Lennon is confident and believes he knows the visitors’ weak spots.
“We know we have to win the game by three goals,” manager Neil Lennon said. “If we concede one we need to score four. If we concede two, according to their manager, then we’ll score five. I think their confidence is very dangerous and it can always come back to bite you. This is a two-game tie.”
If Shakhter Karagandy win, they’d be the first Kazakhstan side to reach the group state.
“I have plenty of respect for Shakhter,” continued Lennon, who is missing midfielder Beram Kayal due to a groin injury but expects Giorgos Samaras, Virgil van Dijk, Anthony Stokes, Derk Boerrigter and James Forrest to be fit. “They have negotiated BATE Borisov and the Albanian champions, and they have a two-goal lead over us. They play with a lot of heart, great spirit and great organisation, and they have certain players of a high calibre.
“Whether Shakhter are motivated for this game or not is irrelevant to me. We come up against motivated teams every week here at Celtic Park, teams who want to beat the champions and best team. It’ll be nothing new for our players to come up against a motivated team, because my team will be motivated as well.”