RAPID RISE OF O’RILEY CONTINUES AS HIS
REAL MADRID hero Rodrygo has warned Celtic it doesn’t matter if Carlo Ancelotti rotates his squad for tomorrow’s Champions League opener because they are powerful in every position.
Celtic face the European champions in Glasgow in the first game of the group stages and both sides secured impressive weekend wins, with the Hoops demolishing Rangers in the Old Firm showdown and Real winning a top-of-thetable clash against Real Betis in a 2-1 home victory.
And 21-year-old Brazilian talent Rodrygo — who scored the winner at the Bernabeu on Saturday — is convinced it doesn’t matter who boss Ancelotti picks for the Parkhead showdown because their squad is crammed with talent.
He said: “We are all very excited about starting our defence of the trophy in Glasgow.
Season
“I believe we have a really strong squad this season. It’s a busy period with two games in a week, but we love that.
It’s always better to be playing games.
“Whatever team we pick on Tuesday it won’t matter because we are so strong in all positions across the pitch.
“We have started the season well. We have won our first four La Liga games, but this is only the beginning.
“It’s a joy to play under a coach like Carlo Ancelotti and I think we will improve as the season goes on.
“He asks us to play in a special way I am very happy to play for him.
“Personally, I think I am improving all the time. I had an injury, but I feel stronger every day and it’s always special to score at the Bernabeu.”
MATT O’RILEY is heading out for a dream date with Real Madrid in the Champions League having just taken Rangers to pieces.
If he maintains his current levels, he could well be heading to a World Cup in Qatar with Denmark.
It’s hard to believe that this time just one year ago, O’Riley was scrapping for a 1-1 draw with MK Dons against Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.
With all due respect to England’s League One, if the 21-yearold’s rapid rise in stature from then to now doesn’t typify the relentless progression of Ange Postecoglou’s blistering Celtic young guns, nothing does.
In a stunning team showing from the Aussie’s side in destroying their fiercest rivals, O’Riley was among the stand outs.
Quite correctly, the devastating finishing of Liel Abada and Jota were noted as the highlight acts of a masterful Celtic show. But, with the terrific Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate as his supporting cast, O’Riley owned much of the big stage.
Alert
On and off the ball, he was sensational. Alive and alert at quick throw-in, he made Abada’s opener.
The Under-21 international displayed his outstanding touch and vision with his wondrous pick and pass for Jota’s goal.
O’Riley was in the box for a key touch at Abada’s second. Had a pinpoint cross which Giorgis Giakoumakis should have buried.
The contributions went on and on and he also has steel to go with that silk.
O’Riley was a picture of craft, energy and guile. The polar opposite of the team who tore apart.
Ryan Kent was still arguing the award of that throw in when Jota took it and O’Riley volleyed it across the box. James Sands not watching the quick corner taken just beforehand.
Kent, Glen Kamara and John Lundstram switched off for McGregor’s rapid free-kick at Jota’s sublime second.
The sharp minds of Hatate and Greg Taylor sparking another quick throw and delivery as Rangers players ambled around.
Split-second instances, three Celtic goals and it happened all throughout a dazzling and dominant win for Postceolou’s heroes.