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Despite drawing a metaphor for the conquest of Barcelona to climbing Mount Everest, an apt description given the Catalans’ abundance of talents and illustrious track record, I believe Celtic is quietly confident of plotting a major upset. A 3-2 first leg deficit in the Champions League last 16 has to be overturned first.

Though Celtic’s away record may be deplorable with 15 Champions League losses in 16 away matches, while Barcelona lost only once in 21 European home games, there is an outside chance - to be ignored by Barca at their own peril. Having crossed swords with the Catalans for the sixth time in five seasons, it is clear that Celtic possess a knack of getting credible results at the Nou Camp.

The fairy tale will, of course, fall flat on its face, if Lionel Messi is given free reign to tear his opponent apart. The Argentine was too hot to handle in the first leg with his brace, so Celtic need little reminder of what to expect. Currently the leading Champions League scorer with six goals, he is slated to return to the first XI after being left out of last week 4-2 away defeat to Atletico Madrid.

In his absence, Barcelona was lackluster in front of goal and Rijkaard was lambasted from all quarters for his decision. He insisted the defeat has no bearing on the next game, saying: “We didn’t play well and it was a bad result, but we’ve got to keep working hard and prepare well for the Champions League game.” Sporting director Begiristain also came to his defense, remarking that “the Celtic match is more important.”

Celtic can take heart from the shaky display and hopefully, try to emulate Atletico Madrid. Despite gaining the upper hand with a stunning overhead kick from Ronaldinho, Barcelona were destroyed by a more determined and efficient Atletico who scored four goals in succession before conceding a consolation goal. Without Messi, either on the bench or being shackled, Barcelona is as good as a toothless tiger, the significance will not be lost on Celtic.

The main problem with Barcelona is their inability to finish off the games after outclassing their opponent. Many points were thrown away due to their lapse in concentration, and it has happened far too often… the defense breached when they are cruising. So long as a team turns up, more aggressive and hungry, they are likely to share the spoils. Barcelona’s saving grace so far, was their potent attack and creative midfield.

Gordon Strachan will appreciate his team getting an early goal to steady their nerves and also to capitalize on defensive errors as Barcelona threw caution to the wind. He said: “I’m not saying we will go gung-ho, but you always feel better if you walk off the park knowing you tried to score and didn’t just play with every man behind the ball. Gaining possession will be the key. Hopefully there will be no fear when we have the ball though.”

Celtic captain, Stephen McManus, spoke for the rest of his team when he admitted being in awe of the names on the opposition teamsheet. He said: “It’s not until you are on the same pitch as Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto’o and Henry do you realize how good they are.”

But the return of Messi could mean the exclusion of Henry. The French striker wandered aimlessly and was eventually substituted in the second half of the Atletico Madrid’s defeat. I doubt if he has ever been so ineffective while playing for the Gunners.

Since Barcelona adopt a three-pronged attack, if Messi’s position is confirmed, it will be a toss up between Henry, Eto’o and Ronaldinho for the remaining two spots. Last week, Ronaldinho scored a spectacular overhead kick and Eto’o banged in his ninth goal in eight starts this season; Henry, disappointingly, left his scoring boots at home.

His record in Europe is better, being Barcelona’s second-top scorer in Champions League with three goals and having scored at Celtic Park in the first leg but his overall return of 13 goals in 31 games is not enough to please the fans.

Barcelona will do well to remember their disappointment after losing 2-1 to Liverpool in the Nou Camp last season. Although such a scoreline is insufficient for Celtic to progress, it serves as a warning to Barca that upsets can happen even if the odds book suggest otherwise.

Rijkaard cannot afford to lose, after missing out on the La Liga and Champions League last season. A team bursting with talents which will make any coach green with envy is at his disposal and if he cannot achieve anything meaningful for two consecutive seasons, then patience is stretched to the limit.

The club may decide to let his contract run out even if there is no immediate sacking. With Chelsea hanging out a juicy carrot, the question of Rijkaard leaving is only when and where. Ronaldinho, a keen target of Roman Abramovich, will also be lured to Stamford Bridge if the price is right.

History may beckon for Celtic who were Britain’s first team to lift the trophy. They were no longer a powerhouse and had missed the quarter-finals of Europe’s top clubs competition since 1980. I believe they have a good chance to create a new chapter if Barcelona fail to step up a gear from last week’s performance.

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