Last night’s historic win in Brussels feels like a breakthrough moment. It has been 16 years since we first played Champions League group stage football, but our only win on the road in that period was snatched in the final minute by a Georgios Samaras header in Moscow. This time, the victory was achieved while dominating the game from first to last, not conceding, and punishing Anderlecht’s vulnerabilities.
A word for the defence. Those who make it their business to complain about Celtic, reserved their recent venom for the decision not to move to an alternative central defensive target when Rivaldo Coetzee failed a fitness test. With our first choice defensive line-up available this week for the first time this season, we look remarkably solid. The manager will continue to give experience to Ajer, Miller and Ralston as the season progresses.
Pre-match, Dedryck Boyata played down suggestions that playing in his home town would aid his performance, but I suspected it would. The big defender, and his partner, Jozo Simunovic, were imperious. Celtic enjoyed 63% possession, much of it going through these two. Kieran Tierney and Mikael Lustig were always available for a pass, and seemed to demoralise Anderlecht’s creative talents.
The opening goal was a masterclass for the entire team, but especially so for Boyata and Simunovic, who during the build-up, made seven and five passes respectively. Patrick Roberts and Craig Gordon were the only Celtic players not to complete a pass during the move. You have seem great Celtic teams in Europe, but you have never seen anything like this. That 24-pass Liam Miller goal against Lyon 14 years ago remains alive in the memory because it was so exceptional in that Celtic team. Last night’s opener was 28 passes, was away from home, and is absolutely typical of how we now play football.
Celtic’s attacking players (rightly) attract most of the attention, but the foundation of this team is our back line. Our system of play is not possible without defenders who can receive a fast ball, pass, remain alert and calm. If you are old enough to remember the impact the 1974 World Cup made, the final in particular, last night’s game will resonate with you.
Olivier Ntcham picked up the broken pieces of his performance in the opening 30 minutes to split the defence open for the first goal, before collecting a loose ball and feeding Scott Sinclair for the third. The manager will ponder what was going on during that opening period. Despite the generosity of the win, the result could have been in jeopardy if one link in the chain was not performing.
Years ago I remember analysing goals in our Champions League games and noted that mistakes were overwhelmingly influential in determining the outcomes of games. Our second and third goals were down to unenforced Anderlecht errors.
At the second, the Anderlecht right back had comfortable possession and the opportunity to clear up the line, but instead elected to play a ball into the space in front of his own penalty area. At this point, the hosts were a mis-control away from presenting Celtic with a chance, which duly happened. Scott Sinclair’s injury-time third goal came as a result of an Anderlecht pass out of defence, which rolled straight into Ntcham’s path , allowing Celtic to turnover, 4 v 2.
What followed on both occasions is the lesson every football fan knows, make a mistake at this level, and you will be punished.
Well done, Celtic. A magnificent performance and result. The only away win to compare in the last 47 years was when we caught Ajax cold in 2001.
Celtic FC Foundation, Great Scottish Run
I’m doing the Great Scottish Run this Sunday for the Celtic FC Foundation, full of the joys of being a Celtic supporter during these great times. We are not only about winning trophies and the Champions League, this club is as deep as the ocean. On Sunday, it will be about the work of the Foundation, with the poorest in Glasgow and surrounding areas, in the most deprived communities of London, for those marginalised from society, and for the great work with Autism. Not to mention the outreach in Malawi, Haiti and so many other places most of the world ignores.
I’ve never made porridge in Malawi, or fed the poor in Haiti, not would I know how to engage with Autistic kids, but you and me can do our bit for those who have the responsibility of delivering help where needed. What I can do is run on Sunday and ask for sponsorship. If you can help, do so at this MyDonate page.
Thank you.
The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP14) Champions League Special
A Celtic State of Mind offers an insight into the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.
Each episode includes interviews with ‘Celtic-minded’ figures from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature or politics.
Ahead of the crucial Champions League match against Anderlecht, ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ goes behind the Champions League curtain for Celtic’s opening match against PSG.
Kevin Graham provides pre and post-match discussion with members of his CSC, as well as in-match analysis in what will be a regular Celtic State of Mind feature.
Enjoy!
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Anderlecht were poor. It’s just a fact, don’t shoot the messengers.
Doesn’t devalue our win last night in the slightest.
Barry Gufferson has got Kieran for the off. Aye sure Barry – you would know!
THEEXILEDTIM
I understand your misgivings. Every step of the way,the huns have managed to avoid legal sanction,to the extent that they’re still trading-insolvently!-from Ibrox,with the same list of “honours”. Breaching all sorts of trading regulations and laws.
Aye,they went bust owing a fortune to all and sundry. So what? Thumbed their noses and WATP.
The SFA have followed much the same route. Sod off,Timmy. Incriminating evidence doesn’t apply,beat it.
I genuinely don’t know the answer,mate. My opinion has long been the CAS,but how do we go about that?
TET …
in spite of my last post, I share your concerns… there are legal issues (delay can be fatal), and then there is what is for me the million dollar question …. Celtic’s role in all of this, …. do Celtic fans really want to go down that road? I get the feeling no ….
SIONNACHABU 611
I’m still trying to work that one out-but thanks!
Lawwell “Strongest financial position Celtic have ever been in”
No surprise that our defence is looking more confident and organised.
As, wait for it……………
Things go better with Kolo!
I’m here all week, but don’t eat the veal!
Shortbread now trying to sell Lawwell, we have Der Hun rattled alright.
BobbyM
Expressed my feeling to a T, as for CAS, it’s up to the club to take it forward, whether they have the…..I won’t say balls cos we don’t know if there would be any recriminations, they have to play this by the book, they need euro cash to keep the club where they are, so pissing them off wouldn’t be the best thing to do, but CAS is the answer imo, as to how to go about it, I am like you, not a scooby.
HH
News just in…Pope Francis has agreed to cut the ribbon for the opening of the new hotel to be called Vatican Premier…
MiT
I feel the same, I honestly don’t see any desire to destroy the sfa, if we were not winning it would be a very different ball game, as you know a winning team blinds all ills.
HH
THEEXILEDTIM
Well,just have to enjoy the football meantime,I guess. Fortunately,that’s enough to cheer me up.
HH,and a wee hug to TBO.
**** LAST MAN STANDING 9 ****
Sorry to interrupt but just to say that I have just sent emails out to everyone who has entered. That’s 125 folk! The email either thanks you for sending in your week 1 pick (65 in) or reminding you it has still to be sent (60 to come).
SO IF YOU DON’T RECEIVE EITHER MESSAGE BUT THOUGHT YOU HAD ASKED TO TAKE PART CAN YOU PLEASE EMAIL US AGAIN AT CQNPREDICTOR@GMAIL.COM
Thanks for your support
Jobo and CRC
Bobby M
No worries, even I struggle to make sense of me at the best of times.
The Walfrid does have a posh ring to it.-
Posh Mrs tourist, “The Walfrid are still taking bookings in Glasgow darling?”
Posh Hubby tourist ” That does sound nice darling, go ahead “
The Papes Motel would get that shower going.
BEATBHOY on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 7:03 PM
Loved the Papal flags on display at Ibrox on Saturday, Der Hun spits venom at the sight.
Baawie spillin beans about dressing room ….they are now startin tae build momentum ……hinting Cashew’s lost dressing room.
Forget European Football after Christmas – I wish we were in the Florida cup -:))
Huns at the Herald and Scotsman scraping furiously at the bottom of barrel to write something negative about Celtic.
Last night’s funeral like commentary echoing the mood of the best wee country.
Gene
We cant help but feel jealous. Apparently they’re stopping off in Las Vegas. Teambuilding :-)
Level 5 lighting a fire under Pedro….the image of the press guys from Spitting Image comes to mind…
Contemplate PSG faced with the dilemma of beating us in Paris or allowing Bayern Munich to qualify. Just putting it out there, I dont condone cheating.
Sionnach Abu
They don’t like PayPal either.
http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/rangers-fans-get-stuck-in-to-mr-custard-1-3632455
BeatBhoy
Jesus wept. Der Hun isnt joking when they say nobody likes us.
turkeybhoy. regarding big jimmy in his defence he comes across as a passionate celtic supporter. dont think he meant to offend anyone hail hail.
CONNAIRE12 on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 6:28 PM
Have noticed it before, but it was very apparent yesterday evening, i.e., the joy and togetherness of the players, especially when celebrating the scoring of goals. BR has really built up more than just footballers.
Watch when SS scores the 3rd. Leigh is in the perfect position to tap in a cross and most forwards would be annoyed at missing out. Leigh throws both arms in the air in celebration.
Yorkbhoy- i noticed that when Scott scored, you can’t buy team spirit, it has to be created HH
I know some posters keep us informed about what der Hun is thinking (sic) but the comments on this show you how far ahead we are and how some of them know it..
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/not-everyone-in-glasgow-is-happy-about-hotel-espanyol/
3-0 up and only seconds to go. Watch as Anderlecht restart the game and pass the ball immediately back to the centre back, before he can lift his head he has two Celtic players in his face and turns back to his keeper. Relentless.
Anderlecht last night.
I think they actually set themselves up well to nullify us last night. I had started typing that all of the outfield players were within 15-20 yards either side of the half way line and Celtic were struggling to make forward passes count…Then Ntcham played one killer pass and it ruined their game plan.
Man Citys £52 million summer signing Mendy
out for rest of season
Hope they are not looking for a new left back
Yorkbhoy …. agree that, at that level, there can be a very fine difference (one slip, or one great pass) between victory and defeat.
in the SPL, I always feel like we can pull a goal back if needed (doesn’t always happen, but feel like it could)…. but in Europe, not so easy ….
fortunately, last night, the great pass was by Celtic, and we took advantage …
but, funny enough, I think Anderlecht will be a more difficult proposition in Glasgow … as I have said before, I think they are a better team than they showed last night, and for the return game, they will have to go for it, so they wont sit back like they did last night ….if so, we could give up a few, or, conversely, if they have to take chances, we could score a barrowful …. but, as you say, sometimes it comes down to who takes the first chance ….
I actually think the home anderlecht game should be a fun one to watch ….
JC2
Man Unt have bought Tierney already according BBC Short
On Tuesday, City manager Pep Guardiola said he “did not know” how long Mendy would be out for after his side’s Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Spaniard was asked whether he would consider looking for a replacement left-back in January and replied: “We will see in January.
“We thought next summer about looking for another left-back – another replacement – but we will see what we do.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/see-you-in-wexford-kevin-doyle-releases-poignant-statement-announcing-retirement-from-football-on-medical-advice-36179140.html
MIT
I am never confident watching Celtic in Europe (too many defeats by teams I could barely pronounce) but there was a maturity about last night and after the early mistakes we looked mostly in control. I agree with you that the home game may be different, maybe less pressure when you play away?
I may be wrong , wouldn’t be the first time, but one of the problems with Celtic in the first 25 mins was speed of reaction.
There were a few times when their was a tackle and the Anderlecht players were the first to react and win a loose ball. I think it took us half an hour to get up to speed.
I think this is because week in week out we are playing against slower teams.
What about: The Paradise, or just Paradise.
PARKHEADCUMSALFORD
Hotel Paradiso?