Big signings fail to gel as inconsistency dogs doomed Gregorio Manzano

That result continued Atletico’s 13-year wait for a win in the Madrid derby and summed up their season in many ways. Adrian Lopez’s early goal hinted that something special could happen before reality set. By the end they were not only bedraggled by the four goals they conceded but had been reduced to nine men.

Atletico sit 11th in La Liga, already 10 points off their target of a Champions League place and with manager Gregorio Manzano so disliked that the ultras have called for his head even in the few games they have won this season. Indeed, there is a theory among an element of the fans that Manzano only kept his job over the recent international break because of the looming Real Madrid fixture. Atletico’s inferiority complex is so severe that, knowing what the outcome would be, they didn’t want to inflict such a hefty defeat on a manager just in the door.

However, this crisis, one that seems to inflict Atletico every year, isn’t necessarily all positive for Celtic. Only two years ago, despite a talented squad including Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero, the rojiblancos had slipped to 15th in the table. Manager Abel Resino was sent packing but elimination from the Champions League resulted in entry to the Europa League and that became their focus as they went on to win their first European trophy in 38 years.

This year the cast of characters is different but just as talented. For all Barcelona and Real Madrid’s wealth, it was Atletico who made the most expensive signing of the Spanish summer as Radamel Falcao, top scorer in last year’s Europa League, joined from Porto for €40m. The Colombian, who scored in the first meeting between the sides, has travelled to Glasgow and seems set to start after missing the last two matches through injury.

Unlike many other coaches Manzano has also fielded his strongest line-up in this competition. Seeing it now as his last chance to save his job he will undoubtedly do so this evening. A win will see Atletico into the last 32 so Falcao will be supported by other high-profile summer signings Diego, Arda Turan and Adrian.

It is in central midfield, however, where Celtic could take advantage. Another summer signing, Gabi, has failed to find form in his second spell at the club, while Mario Suarez and Paulo Assuncao aren’t in the same class as their more forward-thinking team-mates.

Atletico’s inconsistency means that, of their six victories, three have been 4-0, including a demolition of Udinese last time out in Europe, while they were also pummelled by the physicality of Athletic Bilbao in a 3-0 defeat and lost to then bottom side Getafe 3-2 despite being a goal and a man up inside 30 minutes.

That inconsistency offers Celtic a huge opportunity this evening.