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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Yorkbhoy …. agree with a lot of what you say. traditionally, Our reaction time has been noticeably slower than teams we play in Europe … we take more time to stop the ball, then look up and decide where it is going …. whereas, even less successful teams in europe seem to move the ball forward more quickly (not just punting it) …
this, along with the confidence, is one of the key areas we have been improving under BR … but, as you say, it is hard to practice at a European standard given what we face in the SPL most weeks … but, BR has made a big difference….
I will admit that I am shocked at the improvement he has made to the squad …. I expected some improvement after RD, but will honestly say that I never imagined that he would have turned the whole place around the way he has.
Very special time to be aCeltic fan, soak it up and enjoy every minute !
MIT
I certainly was one of the posters who had written off a few of the players Brendan had inherited and amazed at how he has turned them around.
I would have been happy with a league win and general signs of improvement… well we got that and then some.
I’ll be happy if we have one or two good signings each window and to continue to improve and see what we can achieve in Europe
BMCUWP …
it is not Friday yet, but have you heard Paradise Hotel by Eliza Gilkyson? Lovely ….
and, her father was the guy who sang The Bear Necessities in the Jungle Book (not joking ) .. but with Bears and Jungle… there has to be a joke in there somewhere ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTutYW1pQ_U
PS…. Hrvatski … if you are looking in, I think you would really like this lady’s singing. give her a listen pal.
BMCUW,
Definitely has a certain ring to it. With a name like that, the deid team’s follow followers would be sure it was Vatican financed.
Everton 1-0 down at home to the mob that beat Aberdeen (I think it’s them anyway).
They are keeping possession ala Celtic, but no where near as well.
Their fans are going nuts at the possession football.
They need educated!
‘WGS sweating over broonie fitness’ – no disrespect but sod em – Celtic first, Celtic last, Celtic always
As I pressed post, the worst back pass in history give Rooney an open goal. 1-1.
What is the likely annual net profit for a hotel on the site Celtic are proposing, anyone know?
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.
So true Sir. I’m always keen to spy the players’ reactions to a goal. Speaks volumes. Volumes of positivity in our team.
HH jamesgang
Everton are rubbish.
GENE on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 8:26 PM
‘WGS sweating over broonie fitness’ – no disrespect but sod em – Celtic first, Celtic last, Celtic always
——————————-
Strongly agree.
Broonie no fool so sure he will do the right thing.
Hotel name; Dashboard Light.
Then we would have Paradise by the Dashboard Light.
#meatloafcsc
I bet we all wish we supported a big team spending loads of money, how good would the football be??
I am watching Everton estimated spend 175m and they couldn’t lace our boots, honestly they are mince.
Out with the top 5 this league is shit.
Koeman next to go down there, fill your boots.
HH
DESSYBHOY on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 8:36 PM
What is the likely annual net profit for a hotel on the site Celtic are proposing, anyone know?
———————
I’d love to see the business case for this.
My assumption has been that it’s intended to provide an income stream that mitigates against those years when we might fail to gain much income from football operations. E.g. When we don’t make champs league group stages.
However that assumes a stand alone business that is very profitable. I’m sure Peters done the sums. But it will be a risk. Celtic must think it worth taking.
Tom Rogic goal celebration = very understated, almost embarrassed – until his team mates have a word in his ear then he beams a beamful smile.
Except the winner against Aberdeen in the cup final. Even the wizard of Oz couldn’t contain himself.
What does last night’s victory do for our coefficient?
DESSYBHOY on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 8:36 PM
What is the likely annual net profit for a hotel on the site Celtic are proposing, anyone know?
—————-
glasgow hotel occupancy levels are at record breaking levels. 80% plus all year.
some of the city centre hotels as group enterprises turn over more per year than celtic do.
out at celtic park if you can attract our supporters 25 times a year , the events at the emirates another 50 times a year. that sells out the hotel for 150 nights.
the tourist on a budget with an interest in football charged at £100 a room, with some cheap access to the city, might prefer here than anywhere else.
back of the fag packet calculations , a 100 room hotel with all the functions & a restaurant & a almores cafe will turnover £8 – £10 million.
Profit maybe £1 million,
Natknow
Thanks for the reply, I was under the impression one of the hotel chains was building it with Celtic getting some of the profit, none of the risks, however its still early doors in the planning application and with profits being made by the football club then maybe we are about to diversify to develop the stadium surroundings which can generate money outside of match days, the Commonwealth games ruined the pitch, I hope we do not go down that route again.
With the Emirates Arena next door and the functions held at Celtic park daily/weekly the hotel will do good business and that’s before you account for all home games, domestic and a European.
Hotel Invincible
MWD
Brilliant news about the hotel/ museum/ café.
The sooner this project gets under way the better. Looking forward to my first cappuccino there already.
Saint Stivs
Thanks
Given the predictable negative coverage from the state funded BBC of Celtic’s mid week ECL games in Belgium, I wonder if it’s time to start asking why so many reporters/pundits travel at our expense merely hoping on us slipping up.
Perhaps it’s time for us to ask questions of BBC Scotland. How many people travelled to Belgium. Clearly Chris McLaughlin could have sent his 5 very anti-celtic tweets from home rather than travel to Brussels to do so.
HH
Hotel Ha-Ha, Ha-Ha, Hahahaha-haha!
ps,
if the hotel is outsourced as a partnership agreement, celtic might rake in rent + share of profits.
just depends who owns the land, who develops it, and who takes the risk.
honest assessment, its a gold mine, it wont fail.
pps.
lets just call the hotel JOHN PAUL 2.
Open to all.
DESSYBHOY on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 8:56 PM
Natknow
Thanks for the reply, I was under the impression one of the hotel chains was building it with Celtic getting some of the profit, none of the risks, however its still early doors in the planning application and with profits being made by the football club then maybe we are about to diversify to develop the stadium surroundings which can generate money outside of match days, the Commonwealth games ruined the pitch, I hope we do not go down that route again.
————-
All assumptions on my part mate – so take with a very large punch of salt! I know nothing of the plan. However, Peter Lawwell and Dermot ain’t daft so whatever the plan I’m sure it’s been reviewed more than once
TET –
“…pornographic sums of money ”
Phrase of the year!! I’m nicking that.
:-))))
:-)))))))
Exiled
Has he not suffered enough
tet – excellent post – never thought of it like
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/peter-lawwell-hails-brendan-rodgers-success-with-ronny-deila-s-team-1-4573127
Naming the new hotel / Almore’s cafe / superstore / CQN corner…..
Keep it simple and minimalistic, but still stick it to them….
“ The Gap “
HH
TC45
THECELT45 on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 9:47 PM
Naming the new hotel / Almore’s cafe / superstore / CQN corner…..
Keep it simple and minimalistic, but still stick it to them….
“ The Gap “
HH
TC45
or
Glasgows Innovation Renaissance Future Utopian Youth Hotel
big neon sign
GIRFUY H
Anderlecht must be rubbish but Appollon Limasol are a top quality side..
Tom English CSC
Saint Stivs
Murrayfield with John Paul 2 in front of me, singing You’ll never walk alone to him, is one of the most memorable images I have. Being half Polish, made it more poignant for me.
Our God Reigns.
SAINT STIVS on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 8:53 PM
DESSYBHOY on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 8:36 PM
What is the likely annual net profit for a hotel on the site Celtic are proposing, anyone know?
—————-
glasgow hotel occupancy levels are at record breaking levels. 80% plus all year.
some of the city centre hotels as group enterprises turn over more per year than celtic do.
out at celtic park if you can attract our supporters 25 times a year , the events at the emirates another 50 times a year. that sells out the hotel for 150 nights.
the tourist on a budget with an interest in football charged at £100 a room, with some cheap access to the city, might prefer here than anywhere else.
back of the fag packet calculations , a 100 room hotel with all the functions & a restaurant & a almores cafe will turnover £8 – £10 million.
Profit maybe £1 million,
Disagree with you occupancy predictions. This hotel will be used all year round ,and not just on match days . Its easy access into the City and would be your, home from home . HH
Rijeka have just come from 2-0 down to 2-2 against Milan in the San Siro.
5 minutes injury time.
And Milan get number 3 with 1 minute to go.