Celtic seeks Champions League last 16 spot amid crucial matches

Celtic has made significant progress in the Champions League this season, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2012 after securing a club-record 12 points. Skipper Callum McGregor praised manager Brendan Rodgers for his impact on the team's performance and understanding of the game. As they head into a crucial match against Aston Villa, Celtic's chances of automatically qualifying for the last 16 remain slim, contingent on a series of favorable results in addition to a victory over Villa. Despite the obstacles, both the manager and players are optimistic about the potential to advance further in the competition. The team's current position in 18th place highlights the competitive nature of this year's league phase, with many elite clubs also vying for top positions. Should Celtic achieve an unlikely set of results, it could mark a historic turnaround for the club on the European stage.