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Dailyrecord 10mos ago
Alvaro Morata pays Celtic major compliment and names danger men as Atletico star targets two goals in Glasgow
Source:Dailyrecord

Alvaro Morata plans to follow up his strike against Scotland by grabbing the goals that kill off Celtic's Champions League dream this week.

And the red-hot striker insists his Atletico Madrid side won't wilt in the Parkhead cauldron because they're used to playing in Europe's most intimidating arenas. The Hoops desperately need a win against the La Liga giants on Wednesday after kicking off Group E with defeats against Feyenoord and Lazio. Atletico have banked four points already and could wrap up a place in knockout stages with back-to-back victories in their double-header with Celtic.

Morata delayed Scotland's Euro 2024 party by nodding the opener for Spain when they beat Steve Clarke's men 2-0 earlier this month. Now the 30-year-old wants to break more hearts in Glasgow by grabbing a double against Brendan Rodgers' men.

Parkhead used to be a Champions League fortress, with the likes of Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United all coming a cropper in the East of Glasgow But it has been 10 years since they last won at home in Europe's top tier competition and Morata is confident his side can pile on the pain.

The atmosphere will be fiery but Diego Simeone's men won't be overawed after running out at the Bernabeu and Nou Camp, along with other major European arenas. Morata said: "Celtic, with their stadium, are always difficult opponents. We respect them as rivals and while it will be a hard match, it may not be beautiful.

"The atmosphere in the ground is not a negative for us. We are used to playing in venues with passion. And the fans Celtic are not violent. If we win in Glasgow it will be a big step. It's not about the performance, it's all about the result."

Kyogo Furuhashi scored Celtic's opener in their defeat to Lazio earlier this month and Morata insists a sprinkling of stars from the Far East adds a bit of mystery to this tie for Atletico.

He said: "The players Celtic have from Asia can create moments of danger. It won't be the usual style of Scottish football for this game. We will need to work hard to get the points."