JUST IN: 36yr Old only victory Celtic had a win over Dortmund scene emerges after Game winning Goal scorer hands a perfect prediction ahead of UCL Clash.
Celtic have only managed one win in four meetings with Borussia Dortmund, and the player who scored the decisive goal in that victory admits he would be happy with a valuable point at the Westfalenstadion on Tuesday.
Thousands of Celtic fans have flocked to Dortmund, eager to see their team face the Bundesliga giants in the revamped Champions League. Brendan Rodgers’ side currently sit second in the league standings, trailing only Bayern Munich on goal difference, after an impressive 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on the opening day.
Celtic will be aiming to make history by securing their first-ever win on German soil. The team has lost 11 of their last 14 visits to Germany, scoring just five goals in those games, but they head into this high-stakes match in top form, having thrashed St. Johnstone 6-0 over the weekend.
Derek Whyte scored a dramatic late winner when Celtic first faced Borussia Dortmund at Parkhead in the UEFA Cup 36 years ago. In that match, former Celtic player Murdo MacLeod returned to face his old team, but it was defender Whyte who stole the spotlight with a last-minute goal. Dortmund won the return leg 2-0 to progress to the next round, but nearly four decades later, Whyte believes the current Celtic squad has a strong chance of earning a positive result.
Speaking to Football Scotland, the Celtic legend said, “I didn’t realize Celtic haven’t beaten Dortmund since 1987. That was a great night. I really think they have a good chance on Tuesday. They’re a fantastic team, and I’d gladly take a draw. I think it will end 1-1.”
Celtic’s chances of pulling off an upset may depend on the fitness of Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is recovering from a foot injury. The USA international has missed Celtic’s last two games, and Whyte believes his presence could be key.
“If Carter-Vickers misses the game, it’ll be a big blow, but I hope he plays. He’s a fantastic player, and Celtic are always stronger with him in the lineup. Is he the most important player? He’s crucial, but there are others like Callum McGregor and the forwards. If he’s in, it’ll be great, but his absence would be huge.”
One player certain to start is Liam Scales, who has impressed with a strong start to the season. Scales earned man of the match against Bratislava, scoring with a powerful header, and Whyte acknowledges that £6 million signing Auston Trusty will face a tough challenge displacing him once Carter-Vickers is fully fit.
“Scales has had a fantastic start to the season. He hasn’t put a foot wrong. He’s played very well in Europe, and I think Trusty doesn’t yet have the experience to overtake him right now,” Whyte added.