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Madrid has real anxiety over tie

0 Comments | Evening Times; Glasgow (UK), Jul 26, 2010 | by CHRIS JACK

BRAGA midfielder Andres Madrid today admitted his side are in disarray ahead of their Champions League clash with Celtic.

The Hoops face the Portuguese cracks on Wednesday in the first leg of their second qualifying round meeting but, after crashing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of lowly Second Division outfit Varzim in their final build-up match, Madrid admits he is very worried ahead of Celtic’s visit in two days’ time.

The former Porto star said: “We need to be ready for the game against Celtic.

“There is anxiety in the dressing room. We seem nervous.

“We all know what is at stake ahead of the Celtic match and perhaps that is why we haven’t played at our best.

“It will take us time to blend together because we have a lot of new players.

“We know about Celtic. We know they are a big, strong team and we will be in for a physical battle.”

A positive result in Portugal would leave Neil Lennon’s side in pole position to qualify for the next round ahead of the return leg at Parkhead next week.

Braga finished second in the Portuguese Premier League last season and manager Domingos Paciencia is leaving no stone unturned as he looks to mastermind a way past the Hoops.

He said: “I sent our scout out to the States to watch Celtic’s matches and he has reported back a lot of information.

“I’ve also spoken with contacts at Sporting Lisbon. They gave us some tips on how Celtic played, where they found their strengths and weaknesses to be.

“It’s really important that we win and progress in the competition.”