Hello SFers and welcome to the pre-match build up of the Champions League Play-Off First Leg between Slovenian Champions Maribor and Scottish Champions Celtic.
Tale Of The Tape:
Celtic:
Entered: 2nd Qualifying Round
Teams defeated: Reykjavik, Legia Warsaw
Form In Champions League (Last 5 Games, oldest first:
LWWLW
Titles won: 45
Manager: Ronny Deila
NK Maribor:
Entered: 2nd Qualifying Round
Teams defeated: Zrinjski Mostar, Maccabi Tel Aviv
Form In Champions League: LDWWD
Manager: Ante Šimundža
Celtic have never faced Maribor before, though Maribor have played a Scottish side, before their liquidation, Glasgow Rangers. The Slovenians defeated the side 3-2 on aggregate.
Celtic have been talk of the competition so far, and for the wrong reasons. In the third qualifying round, Legia Warsaw comfortably beat Celtic 4-1, missing 2 penalties in the game. In the 2nd leg, they were winning 2-0 and in the 88th minute, a discussion was taking place between the 4th official and someone who wasn't a part of the coaching staff at Legia. A few seconds later a player came on, Legia believed that he had served his 3 match suspension but truth be told, he was not registered for the previous round meaning he only served 1 match and that was the first leg. Legia forfeited the 2nd leg and Celtic progressed on away goals. It was a lesson Legia will not forget.
Yesterday a suspension-related error happened to Celtic aswell. Manager Ronny Deila believed that defender Efe Ambrose was given a 2 match suspension for his sending off in the first leg against Warsaw. UEFA cleared up the situation saying that it was only a one match suspension. Efe Ambrose flew over to Slovenia this morning, it is unsure he will play tonight.
I will post team news shortly. |