Win it Twice – If Nottingham Forest can do it so can Celtic

The Celtic Star

·21 marzo 2025

Win it Twice – If Nottingham Forest can do it so can Celtic

Football fairytales seem increasingly rare, however, Nottingham Forest is scripting an unlikely story. Having spent decades in lower leagues, they returned to the Premier League just last season. Today, they’re remarkably placed third, mixing confidently with giants like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal…

Nottingham Forest logo outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester City FC at the City Ground on March 08, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

After becoming the first and still the only team this season so far to beat Liverpool in the Premier League, and recently overcoming Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City, Celtic fans are starting to ask, if Nottingham Forest can punch so far above their supposed weight, why can’t Celtic do the same on the European stage, given domestic dominance for Celtic in the 21st century is a fact of life in Scottish football.

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Shared Histories, Different Paths

The parallels between Nottingham Forest and Celtic run deeper than many realise. Both clubs proudly boast European histories that are the envy of many. Forest famously captured the European Cup twice in succession under Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980.

Peter Taylor and Brian Clough on the bench at the 1980 European cup Final. Photo: Imago

Celtic, under legendary manager Jock Stein, had achieved European glory even earlier, becoming the first team from Northern Europe ever to lift the European Cup in 1967. However, despite continued domestic dominance in Scotland, Celtic’s European form in recent decades has been far less impressive, prompting legitimate questions about the club’s ambition.

Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic in the summer of 2023 with the goal to re-establish Celtic as a credible force in the Champions League. That work has begun and there has been significant progress this season under the new format for the Champions League. Next season will be the time when we really get some answers on where Celtic are at.

01.05.1978 Photo: imago/Colorsport Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough, Kenny Burns, Larry Lloyd, Assistant Peter Taylor plus Martin O Neill at the back

European Dreams vs. Reality

While Celtic continue to rack up trophies domestically, their European campaigns consistently fall short. Celtic supporters have grown accustomed to early exits and underwhelming performances, a stark contrast to their rich historical legacy.

Their most recent Champions League effort ended with Bayern Munich eliminating them over two legs. Celtic’s European odds were dismally low against Bayern Munich – the Germans were 5/14 favourites at most UK betting sites not on GamStop reviewed by experts. Celtic fans could only capitalise on their team when betting against them, or by choosing prop markets instead. As Bayern proved, the odds were right as the German side condemned Celtic to yet another early phase exit in Europe.

10th January 1975: Nottingham Forset manager Brian Clough in the dressing room with members of his team, amongst them is the future Leicester City manager Martin O’Neill (front row, second from right). (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

These odds underline the stark reality facing Celtic: the club that once dominated Europe has become content with mere participation rather than genuine contention. In contrast, Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League took one season before they found themselves now riding as high as third in the Premier League and looking set to book that spot now. Their success proves just how much having a great legacy and European pedigree should matter—if only Celtic could rediscover theirs!

Rediscovering Ambition

Celtic undoubtedly possesses the foundations necessary for European success—a passionate global fanbase, a celebrated stadium atmosphere, and proven domestic dominance. Yet, reclaiming their status on the European stage requires more than tradition alone. It demands renewed ambition, self-belief, and the bravery to pursue excellence consistently. Celtic need to establish bold goals and chase them with determination, rather than accepting mediocrity or early exits as inevitable outcomes.

Celtic players pose for a photo on pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

The Bhoys should observe closely the resilience, tactical innovation, and fearless mentality shown by clubs performing above expectations. Success at the highest level in football is often a result of defying expectations and continuously challenging complacency. Celtic must rediscover this ethos to regularly compete deep into European tournaments, fully believing in their rightful place among Europe’s elite.

Raising the Bar

It is imperative now for Celtic’s board, coaching staff, and players to collectively set higher standards. The club’s European ambitions should align seamlessly with their domestic dominance. Runs in the Champions League or Europa League should no longer be exceptional events but regular occurrences. Celtic supporters have every right to expect more from a club steeped in such tradition and history.

Nicolas Kuhn scores during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Rekindling the Fear Factor

There was a time when Celtic Park was feared across Europe. Opponents approached matches in Glasgow with trepidation, aware of Celtic’s formidable squad and unyielding belief in victory. Today, that sense of intimidation has largely vanished. Celtic often seem satisfied merely to make the group stages of European competitions rather than mounting serious challenges. Attitude and mindset are crucial, and Celtic must urgently reignite their ambition to reclaim their stature.

The Need to Dream Bigger

Daizen Maeda in action in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Ultimately, Nottingham Forest’s impressive ascent from obscurity to the top of English football isn’t merely a heartwarming story; it’s a valuable lesson in ambition and self-belief. Celtic, with their storied past, immense fanbase, and vast resources, have all they need to forge a similar path. What’s currently missing is the audacity to dream bigger and the determination to relentlessly pursue those dreams. If Nottingham Forest can defy the odds and achieve remarkable success, Celtic have every reason, and indeed, a responsibility to strive for the same.

Learning from Forest’s Inspiration

Merchandise for sale outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest’s astonishing rise this season serves as clear proof that ambitious thinking, combined with self-belief, can dramatically alter a club’s fortunes. Celtic fans may understandably envy Forest’s journey, yet envy alone achieves nothing. Instead, the Bhoys should harness Forest’s success as motivation, igniting their own European ambitions and aspirations for European prominence once again.

If Forest can do it why can’t Celtic?

Perhaps Celtic and Nottingham Forest will also meet in the Champions League next season? Thanks to Brian Clough Forest have been European Champions twice. If Forest can do it why can’t Celtic? We can but dream…

Celtic captain Billy McNeill holds aloft the European Cup after Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup Final in Lisbon. Photo Imago.