Adrenaline pumping as play-offs return

542

We’ve been here several times before.  Our first venture into the Champions League play-off round was in 1998 against (then) Croatia Zagreb.  Zagreb were clearly the better team but while a 1-0 win in the home leg gave us hope we were outclassed in the return game.

The unforgettable tie against Ajax was next.  Celtic’s best away performance in this tournament saw us beat the Dutch champions 1-3 in Amsterdam.  Ajax were clearly caught cold and performed infinitely better at Celtic Park, winning 0-1, but Celtic shut up shop to deny them any real chance of progression.

Basel were unknown and un-fancied in 2002 but their movement in central midfield was too much for Celtic, although curiously they only managed to perform for 45 minutes in each game.  An away goal defeat blocked our route to the top competition.  MTK Budapest were professionally swept aside in 2003.

Who can forget Spartak Moscow?  Just as they had done against Ajax, Celtic did the hard work away in the first leg, returning with a 1-1 draw, but incredible dramas unfolded at Celtic Park.  Roman Pavluchenko levelled Scott McDonald’s opener but the Russian missed a first half penalty.  The game went to extra time and with minutes left a defender punched Scott Brown’s shot off the line.  Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink missed with the resulting spot kick setting up a memorable penalty competition.

Vennegoor of Hesselink and Pavluchenko both scored this time as brave efforts from Gary Caldwell, Derek Riordan and Maciej Zurawski, who almost certainly knew he would never kick another ball for Celtic, and a save by Artur Boruc, sent us through.  Naka proved that 12 yards is too close a dead ball distance for him.

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A favourite Celtic Park memory?  You bet.

The adrenaline is pumping already.  Bring it on.

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542 Comments

  1. Awe Naw

     

     

    Aye

     

     

    BT

     

     

    I hope I didn’t upset him him I thought he was a good guy!

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  3. ParkheadcumsalfordwhoisNeilLennonand PaulMcBrideandTrishGodman

     

     

    18:30 on 21 August, 2012……………..

     

     

    Thanks for the response.

     

    Aye, despair just about covers it; so disappointing eh!

     

     

    Regards &Hail Hail

     

    TBM

  4. BT

     

     

    I saw your wee quip last night as I was going to my graft , be careful now or I might just pop along to the PV one night when I am up visiting in Drumsagard , I will have you know that even at these advanced years I can still drink with the best of them but when I finish my third pint its a taxi home and straight on with the adult pampers!

     

     

    HH

  5. For instance:

     

     

    If you were a club who had just sold a player for 6.5M (is it all up front or in installments?) and was currently negotiating to buy player/s would it be good business sense to advertise the fact you have 6.5M (it its an upfront payment) burning a hole in your account or do you attempt a bluff in ongoing negotiations?

     

     

    Just asking like, ken.

     

     

    Just asking.

     

     

    MWD

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  7. HT

     

     

    not at all, he thought you where a good lad, well he was only comparing you to Vogue punter… o))

     

     

    u going down?

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  9. Philbhoy

     

     

    He may not be away yet,but it is our full intention to sell him,and he wants to go,so we don’t have much choice.

     

     

    My main point is that we HAVE to sell him to reduce debt.

     

    Well at least that’s what Neil Lennon believes .

     

    My next 2 holiday’s are in Dubai.

     

    Mehico is an option for next year,although NYC is looking favourite.

     

    A67

  10. Mrs O banished to a friends house – check, TV to myself check, Lucky Henrick shirt on – check, , Old campaign scarf around shoulders- check Paddy McC on the bench – check

     

    Come on Celtic Come on Celtic come on Celtic Come on Celtic Come on Celtic Come on Celtic come on Celtic Come on Celtic Come on Celtic Come on Celtic come on Celtic Come on Celtic.

     

    Oh yes and come on Celtic

     

     

    HH

  11. Tactical suggestion for tonight …

     

     

    When we have a corner, and we have just the corner taker, they don’t send out any defenders, so set up for a short corner.

     

     

    The defending team will invariably send out TWO players to cover this, thus creating space in the penalty area. By adding ONE player they use TWO !!

     

     

    Simples …….

     

     

    tactics101 csc

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  13. Forster; Matthews, Rogne,

     

    Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Commons,

     

    Brown, Kayal, Ledley, Samaras;

     

    Hooper

  14. Philbhoy - It's just the beginning! on

    Andrew67

     

     

    …you ghuys wi’ the dosh!

     

     

    That looks like a strong line up to me.

     

     

    A team capable of putting the Swedes under pressure.

     

     

    Quietly confident.

     

     

    Enjoy the game.

  15. I like the team selection.

     

    Fluid front 6 plus 2 full backs, capable of defending well and also attack when appropriate.

     

    Lenny’s done his bit, now it’s up to the bhoys in the hoops.

     

     

    HH

     

     

    EC67

     

     

    TakeoneeachCSC

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  17. TMWTL

     

     

    I didn’t know that.

     

    That sounds more of a balanced risk,but my general point of us not being in as rude financial health as we think remains.

     

     

    A67

  18. Bhoys i am off to work in the Netherlands next month on a long stay placement and will be based in Groningen. Anyone know of a CSC or Celtic friendly pub in the Groningrn area?

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  20. BT

     

     

    No I was meant to have a gymnastics course ( aye ‘a know!!!) but it was cancelled late this afternoon. I’ve also got the bairns here so it’ll be the couch and popcorn tonight for me :-)

  21. Only concern i have re. team is hooper isn’t that effective playing up front on his own, hooper nursing a dodgy hamstring will be even less effective than he normally be playing in that position. iI’d have one for Sammi up front and an extra midfielder. Still think we’ll win.

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