CELTIC's Champions League group has been blown wide open.

That's certainly the view of Valeriy Bondar, who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Ukrainian's thumped RB Leipzig 4-1 in their Champions League Group F opener last week.

In the other game in the group, Real Madrid ran out comfortable winners in the end at Celtic Park.

Bondar, like many, expects the European champions to finish top of the group.

But the defender reckons if Igor Jovicevic’s side can see off Celtic, then they'll be well on their way to finishing in the second qualifying spot.

He told the media: “Our victory in the first match is a blow to the table. Our club wants to go far in the Champions League so every match is a final for us. That’s a warning to the other clubs in the group.

“To beat us this season will be very difficult for any team. We put in so much effort and fight in every match. That was the key to beating Leipzig.

“There aren’t any superstars in this Shakhtar team but every player is giving 100 per cent. We have to follow it up by getting another three points against Celtic. I would take a 1-0 victory. If we win on Wednesday we can be calm in our next two matches against Madrid.

"There won’t be so much pressure. It’s normal that Real Madrid are favourites for the first position but this Shakhtar v Celtic match will be very important for second place.

“We’re convinced that Wednesday will be a different match and the Scots will show another side to them. But to play our games in another country because of the war in Ukraine is very emotive for us. That’s our motivation to do well in the Champions League.”