Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says Jota has a chance of starting against Bayern Munich after scoring and impressing in a 3-0 victory over Dundee United.
Jota earned the club’s man-of-the-match award after cutting in from the left and curling home from 18 yards to double the lead given to the hosts by another impressive finish from Callum McGregor.
The Portuguese winger has now started two games out of five since returning to Glasgow from Rennes and he notched his second goal since re-signing.
When asked if Jota could start in the second leg of the Champions League play-off in Germany on Tuesday, Rodgers said: “He may do.
“He’s shown his level since he’s come back in, it’s just a fitness thing really. That’s why we’re managing him through those moments, so today was another chance for him to get some minutes.
“I thought him and Jeff (Schlupp) combined really well on that side, so he’s getting there.”
Rodgers’ main decision for Tuesday appears to be whether to start with Adam Idah or Daizen Maeda at centre-forward after the latter sparked Celtic into life after moving inside and netting in Wednesday’s 2-1 first-leg loss.
Maeda was rested from the start against United as Yang Hyun-jun and Jota lined up either side of Idah, who produced a brilliant volleyed finish late on to net his fifth goal in five matches.
Rodgers said: “He totally deserved it as well, he worked so hard in the game, he was up pressing and making the contact.
“He was very good and a wonderful finish because the touch just slightly gets away from him. He’s got to re-adjust and guide it with that power into the top corner, it was a great finish.”
The Celtic manager was delighted with his team’s attitude.
“It’s in the DNA now of this team, that mentality,” he said. “We never look for an easy game, we know that every game is a challenge for us.
“On the back of an exciting midweek, these games can be difficult, but I think if you look at our results after the Champions League, it tells you the mentality and the focus that the players have to perform well, so I was really pleased.”
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin felt his side made it too easy for both McGregor and Jota to get shots off for the opening goals but said his players did little else wrong.
“We have no arguments about the final outcome, we were beaten by the better team on the day,” he said.
“You need Celtic to have an off day when you come here. We were hoping they would have one eye on midweek with the importance of the game, but it shows you the mentality of that group and of Brendan Rodgers as well.
“They have that level of professionalism and consistency. It certainly was not down to a lack of effort from my players. Sometimes you have to compliment the opposition, they are a very good team.
“It shows you the quality that they have that they can make five changes and it doesn’t really weaken the team.
“They all know their job in the team and they can hurt you a number of different ways, with their pace and their movement in the wide areas. There were difficult times for us in the game.
“Our boys gave it everything, we were just beaten by the better team on the other day.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. If D Nunez, N Jackson, R Hojlund were on the same team Which Artety do you like? Liverpool transfer market Somehow this is true Lionel Messi's magical feet during the 2022 World Cup. Somehow this is true What a journey it has been! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, AZRorganizat...

Al-Hilal determined to sign Hernandez as soon as possiblePer Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are pushing to complete a transfer for Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. They have agreed on a deal with the Serie A side and have initiated talks with the Frenchman.Why new contract for Pulisic remains unsignedUSMNT star Christian Pulisic is yet to sign a new contract at AC Milan, which was ...

Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Gabriel Martinelli, who is reportedly one of several players Arsenal will consider selling this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Per BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern are eager to add a new player to their Harry Kane-led attack and reportedly have their eyes on Gunners star Martinelli. The German giants were also keen on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club earlier in the s...

Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on signing the Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.According to journalist Luis Alberto Lopez, Manchester United are willing to pay €15 million in order to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper. However, the Spanish club is ready to sell him, but they will hold out for a fee of around €20-25 million.Man United make enquiriesThe Premier League side ...

Paul Pogba agrees transfer to Champions League club as ex-Man Utd star makes 'significant financial sacrifices' to seal return to footballWHAT HAPPENED?Pogba is set to join Ligue 1 side Monaco on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal with the French side, as reported by Le Parisien. The former Manchester United midfielder has "made significant financial sacrifices" to seal the deal as he ...

Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man CityAlfie Haaland says son Erling remains happy and committed to Manchester City.The Norway striker is back and fully fit for the Club World Cup after a difficult 12 months due to injury.Speaking with Marca, Haaland Snr said: "Real Madrid and Manchester City? I think they are the favourites to win this tournament , the Club World Cup. We are seeing some ...

Juventus fullback Cambiaso: Man City talks were niceJuventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso has confirmed talks with Manchester City in January. The Italy international attracted an approach from City - which was rejected by Juve - during the winter market last season.In the US for the Club World Cup, Cambiaso admits he spoke with City officials about a move.He said, 0"Let's say that they have almost un...

Chelsea, Man Utd threaten Juventus plans for Kolo MuaniChelsea are interested in Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani.Kolo Muani is currently with Juve at the Club World Cup, where he is on-loan from PSG. After joining the Bianconeri in January, it was agreed that Kolo Muani could extend his loan to the end of the Club World Cup.Juve do not have a set option to sign the France international permanen...

Tottenham's Mathys Tel scored the decisive goal for the French Under-21 sideThanks to two goals in the final ten minutes, France turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win as they booked their ticket for the semi-final of the U21 Euros at the expense of Denmark in an entertaining thriller Sunday evening in SlovakiaG9rald Baticle’s men came into this match looking to build on their unbeaten start (W...

Kompany hails ‘special’ Messi for lighting up Club World CupBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has been amased by Lionel Messi’s performances at the Club World Cup and believes fans should treasure the Inter Miami star.The Argentina international sealed a comeback win with a brilliant free-kick, giving Inter Miami a strong chance of reaching the knockout stages."Inter Miami they ...



- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 3 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 4 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 5 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 6 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 7 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car
- 8 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 9 Stunning influencer reveals she’s had death threats
- 10 Premier League fixtures: Man City learn dates for 2025-26 campaign