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Arsenal to face Celtic in 'Battle of Britain' Champions League qualifier
Marco Giacomelli07.08.09
Arsenal must see off Celtic if they are to reach the group stages of the Champions League after today's draw threw up an all-British clash.
Arsene Wenger's side will face the Scottish Premier Division runners-up at Celtic Park on either 18 or 19 August with the return leg of their play-off a week later.
It is the first time the two clubs will meet in Europe and the prize will be a path to the lucrative stage of the competition.
The set-up of the draw in Nyon meant Celtic were one of five teams Arsenal could have faced - Fiorentina, Atletico Madrid, Anderlecht and Romanians FC Timisoara were the others.
Celtic could have been drawn against Lyon, Stuttgart, Sporting Lisbon or Panathinaikos.
The Scottish side's coach Mark Venus admitted: "Realistically it's the draw that we probably wouldn't have taken of the five teams but we've got to look forward to it, enjoy it and relish it.
"It's a great draw for Scottish football and it's going to be a great game, a great European night.
"Arsenal are a talented bunch of footballers. They're a totally technical team and are very patient in the buildup."
Celtic qualified for this stage with a 2-0 victory against Dinamo Moscow on Tuesday - the club's first away win in the competition since 2003.
Venus added: "I don't think Arsenal will underestimate us. We are a big club, we've got some good footballers and there will be a big crowd."
Reader views (18)
Go Bhoys!
- Kiko Riko, Finland
It will be good that Arsenal will vs Celtic
up the gunners
- Henry, Newcastle Australia
One of the basic differences between the teams is that the Celtic fans encourage their team whereas the Gooners just stand there and applaud when they feel it appropriate. This is worth two goals to Celtic before they go on the pitch.
- Gooner In Spain, Pego, Spain
Celtic is a big club but I do not see them going past arsenal on this one. Arsenal are being underestimated as usual but I think they have a very strong team to challenge on all fronts.I think Manu are going to be weak this year and are going to finish fourth.
- John, Toronto, Canada
Should be a couple of very high calibre games. Celtic may have to adopt a "Stoke-like", direct approach - as trying to outplay Arsenal is unlikely to prove fruitful. However, TM & team are up to scratch on EPL standards so he will know the moore likely routes to success. Hope it turns out to be a festival of all that is best in terms of football, respect & memorable clashes. And may the better team win!
- Scotcelt, UK
Respect for Celtic but the Gunners should win the battle.
- K.Böhm, Germany
Anybody claiming a foregone conclusion of this tie is a silly fool. This will be a very tough round for both teams and I just hope Arsenal does not lose another established player. Their technical superiority will put them at a slight advantage, as it weakens the opposition after running after the ball for long periods. The long ball direct route used by clever opposition has been the Arsenal undoing but Tony Mowbray never plays long balls. Playing against Arsenal at their passing game will be a massive task for Celtic. I look forward to a good contest.
- Kamsoman, London, UK
Arsenal will run rings around tic and play them off the park. All the TV money will come Gers way, C'mon the Gunners!!
- Gav, Belfast, Northern Ireland
out the big four in england arsenal are the one i think celtic can beat remeber we have beaten liverpool and man utd in recent years when haveing already been wrote off
- Mark Black, glasgow
out the big four in england arsenal are the one i think celtic can beat remeber we have beaten liverpool and man utd in recent years when haveing already been wrote off
- Mark Black, glasgow
Hopefully two great games between two great clubs. I agree with Tam that the Arsenal will have it much tougher against the Celts than the recent stroll against the forces of darkness - Rangers. May the best team qualify.
- Sean, Cork, Ireland
the best of luck arsenal.i hope you win
- John Mckim, glasgow.uk
Arsenal is the team I'd hoped Celtic would avoid. -However, -if unsuccessful, at least Celtic will avoid the ignominy of being ejected by an 'unfancied' team. -On the upside, Tony Mobray would appear to be on the way to returning Celtic to better days. -So, all to play for, and no disgrace if defeated by one of England's great clubs.
- Tony H, Cumbernauld Scotland
A very tough draw for Celtic. But as is a reality it's a great match tie to look forward to. Arsenal are a fabulous team who have the edge on paper and CL form in recent seasons. Most Celtic fans respect the Gunners and Arsenal can rest assured we will put up a better challenge than our city rivals did last weekend.
The loser will win the UEFA cup.
- Tam Callaghan, Parkhead
A really mouth watering draw & especially good for us, as we wont have to travel too far.
- Rob Gooner, North London
Arsenal are weak in defence, especially the central defence and Wenger again did not keep his word to buy the much needed central defenders.
Mr Wenger has become arrogant and refuses to accept he is wrong and he is mistaken when he thinks he has a strong group of players.
Therefore this match can go Celtic's way.
A.Messina
- A.Messina, Malta
Should be a great game,I think Arsenal will edge it,I have got a lot of respect for Celtic but I bet this was the one team in the draw they wanted to avoid.
- Jim Ex Pat,Islington N1, thailand
that is Celtic in then
- Terry Chambers, London
