When we look back at the 2016-17 European soccer season, we're going to recognize just what a tremendous shock it was that recently promoted Alaves was able to beat Barcelona at Camp Nou. It was one of the most unbelievable upsets we've seen in Spanish soccer in quite some time, and now, a fragile Catalan side has to get ready for its first Champions League effort of the season against Celtic.
At 2:45 p.m. ET, tune into network for live television coverage of this Champions League match on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at Camp Nou.
cSoccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Barcelona -1011
Celtic +2400
Draw +1011
Over/Under 3.5
Odds Analysis
It's nothing new for Barca to be a massive favorite no matter where it is playing, but especially here at Camp Nou. Then again, nothing is a given, as we saw against Alaves when it was a dog by a significantly greater margin than what we see here. Celtic is a capable side, but Scottish soccer just isn't what Spanish soccer is, so no matter how dominant the men in green are at home, they're overmatched here.
That's why Barcelona, in spite of its recent transgression, is set at -2.5 on the Asian Handicap with a stunning price of -1011 on the moneyline. Like Celtic for an upset? You can cash in at a cool price of 24 to 1.
Tournament Update
This is going to be the first match of the UCL for Barcelona, but Celtic has already taken a quite interesting road to reach this point. The Scottish champs were actually beaten by Lincoln Red Imps on the road in their first qualifying round effort back in July, but they put forth a much better effort in the return leg and advanced as they should have. They went on to take out FC Astana as well, though again, it took a lot more work than it should have in the home leg after a 1-1 draw on the road. Finally in the last qualifying round, Celtic jumped on Hapoel Be'er Sheva with a 5-2 win in the first leg, though a 2-0 loss back in Israel made the dying minutes of that home-and-home tie a lot more nervy than they should have been.
Recent Form
Domestically, Celtic has done its job, going a perfect 4-0-0 thus far in the SPFL season, including a 5-1 win in the Old Firm against Rangers in the first match the two have played since 'Gers entered administration several years ago and needed some time to get back to the top flight.
Barca has been very good at home, and that's why the loss to Alaves was such a tremendous shocker. The Catalans took over Athletic Bilbao, Real Betis and Sevilla twice in the Super Cup to start off what was a perfect season.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
These two teams have actually met once this year already back in the International Cup of Champions. Barcelona came up with a 3-1 victory, but by all accounts of the match, the Hoops weren't as badly outclassed as could have been the case.
We know that Celtic is going to come into this one full of sound and fury and will surely push forward to try to snare some goals. Moussa Dembele, fresh off of his first career hat trick, is going to have a ton of confidence, and an offense that has scored goals at will must believe it can get something at Camp Nou.
But we know otherwise. The loss to Alaves happens once in a lifetime for the most part. This wouldn't be as big of an upset, but in context, it would be a horrifying shock to see the Catalans lose twice in a row at Camp Nou.
It's time for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and the rest of the crew and red and blue to get serious, and once that happens, this match should get out of hand.
Champions League Odds: Barcelona 4, Celtic 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
