Champions League: Scottish giants Celtic frustrated after latest defeat in qualifying rounds, rue loss of significant funds
FirstpostAfter letting go of some of their player for record transfer fees, Celtic failed to replenish its depleted squad which reflected in their defeat to CFR Cluj London: Celtic were left counting the cost on and off the field for exiting the Champions League in mid-August after a thrilling but agonising 4-3 home defeat to Romanian champions CFR Cluj. We’ve let it go.” Celtic could have looked forward to a financial boost of around £30 million just for qualifying for the Champions League group stages had they clung on to the lead they held 10 minutes from time against Cluj and beaten Slavia Prague in the final qualifying round. Those reserves have been accumulated on Rodgers’ reaching the riches of the Champions League group stage in his first two of his three seasons in charge and the consistent sale of Celtic’s best players. The harsh reality of the financial gulf to Europe’s top leagues means the limit of Celtic’s ambitions in the continental competition is just to reach the group stages of the Champions League.