Rodgers warns Barcelona: Celtic have learnt from 7-0 smashing

But the Italian side will advance with a win, provided Benfica also wins.

In this alternate reality, our failure to break the deadlock against Malaga was not down to some questionable decisions from the referee – it was down to some systemic weakness, coupled with a crippling bout of Messidependencia.

Celtic do possess a number of risky attacking players in their squad and Ter Stegen certainly can not afford to be complacent during the encounter.

“We showed them too much respect and the scoreline was bitterly disappointing at the time“, said Rodgers. If you have to do that then that is what you do’.

In the last five games away from home, Barca have ticked three wins and two losses.

‘There is no doubt they’re a totally different team when he plays, ‘ said the manager. Every side has its ups and downs; every season has its ebbs and its flows.

“I don’t know. I have no idea”, was the coach’s response to questions on his knowledge of a potential deal at Tuesday’s press conference. I have been playing a lot and feel that I have adapted well to the Barca way of playing.

This was Rodgers in his element: a big occasion, fielding questions about elite-level football.

What Messi means for Barcelona is easy to see just by looking at numbers, even without considering the inspirational things he can do on the field.

Asked about Simunovic’s availability for the Champions League clash, he said: “I think all being well that will be the case”.

The likes of Jeremy Mathieu and Samuel Umtiti are still struggling with injury problems at the moment and the duo look set to miss out.

Celtic, who always seem to become a different team when fuelled by the fevered atmosphere of their Parkhead home, are warmed by the memory of their famous 2-1 triumph over Messi and Barca there in 2012.

With the Spain midfielder sidelined, there is likely to be another opportunity for Andre Gomes alongside Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, who started on the bench against Malaga at the weekend.

7 – Barcelona have won seven of their nine Champions League games against Celtic (D1 L1).

Celtic were dismantled by Barcelona’s superstars in the Nou Camp when the sides met in September.

These nights are an end in themselves.

Ahead of the Parkhead match, former Liverpool boss Rodgers is primarily concerned with his players showing Barca what they are made of this time around.