Celtic v Braga Champions League 3rd round
Following a disappointing season in 2009-10, Celtic face qualification for the group stage of this year’s Champions League, something they would not have hoped for (or perhaps even expected) in August 2009. But we at MATCHhotels.com wouldn’t want you to get down in the dumps about your team’s underachievement – an extra European tie means an extra opportunity for a city break. Come on guys, think outside the box.
The Glaswegians have drawn Liga Sagres runners-up Braga, and travel to north-west Portugal for the first leg on Tuesday, July 27, before welcoming their opponents to Celtic Park a week later on August 3. An aggregate victory would leave Celtic with just the play-off round (in which they were eliminated by Arsenal last year) to negotiate, so the rewards could be huge.
Where to stay
Celtic Park is situated just outside Glasgow city centre, so there are accommodation options to suit every budget. The urban chic of the Brunswick Hotel Glasgow, situated in trendy Merchant City, makes it one of the most attractive modern hotels in the city. Facilities are limited, but its bar is open until 4am every day and wi-fi is complimetary. Rooms start at a rather reasonable £50.
Another classy hotel is the Carlton George, a “boutique” hotel right smack in the city centre. The rooms are finished to the highest standard and come with that rarest of treats, a free mini-bar. The rooftop restaurant is excellent too.
If you’re looking for a more homely feel or fancy staying for a few nights, it might be worth considered a serviced apartment, such as those offered by Saco Hotel Glasgow. Prices start around £90, for which you get a beautifully furnished flat complete with a dining table and chairs, a dishwasher and a fully equipped kitchen.
How to get there
Celtic Park is in the east of the city, about a mile and a half from the centre. Many fans make the half-hour walk and take in s0me of the pubs along the way, but you can also catch a bus (number 43 from Renfield St or numbers 61 and 62/262 from Union St) or a train, from Central Station to Dalmarnock, a five-minute walk away. Bridgeton station is also close, but should be avoided: the area is a Rangers stronghold and Celtic fans are not particuarly welcome. Trains from the other main station, Queen Street, run to Bellgrove and Carntyne, but both are still a 20-minute walk to the ground.
If you arrive early enough (at least an hour before kick-off), you will be able to park on any of the streets within a few miles of the stadium. Any number of entrepreneurial young locals will offer to “watch your motor” in exchange for a small sum of money, which is undoubtedly a good deal. It is also possible to park for free in the stadium’s own car park, but this is not advised: it is almost impossible to get out. Other unofficial car parks charging competitive rates are dotted around the area on match days.
Two airports serve Glasgow: Glasgow International, 15 minutes from the town centre, and Glasgow Preswick, about 50 minutes south-west of Glasgow.
