Champions League prediction: Odds and pick for Real Madrid vs. Celtic

Celtic is in the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2017-18. The game against Real Madrid starts at 3:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Celtic is off to a good start in Scottish Premiership and they beat their rivals Rangers 4-0 in Old Firm Derby on Saturday.

Celtic are unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership this season. They are averaging 2.73 expected goals per match and conceding just 0.93 expected against. Real Madrid is a big step up for a team that plays in a tough league. Celtic's team is largely unchanged from last season's unbeaten run. The team's manager Ange Postecoglu is gaining attention as one of Europe's rising managers.

Real Madrid is the defending champions and is one of the favorites to win Group F. Celtic is a big underdog, but their fans will be behind them. Celtic are +400 favorites. Madrid has a +6.5 expected goal differential in La Liga.