Qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League is an astonishing achievement for a team seeded in pot 4. You need only look around Europe to see how unforgiving this tournament is. The champions of England and Europe are both out, while England’s reigning champions last year went out at the group stage (to Benfica).
Amid numerous predictions of a comfortable victory I suggested yesterday that last night’s Spartak game would be difficult. What we now know is that Celtic eliminated two very good teams from this season’s Champions League. Benfica took four points off us, by all accounts, were the better team in the Camp Nou and dominated Barcelona in the early part of their game in Lisbon. They beat Spartak at home and pinned the Russian’s back into their own box for long periods of their game in Moscow.
This is the fourth time Benfica have faced Celtic and they have been eliminated on each occasion, always by the slenderest of margins.
Spartak finally got their act together last night under new boss Valery Karpin. Reaction in Russia suggested this was their best game of the season, and that Emenike, who has seldom shown the appetite for the game, was playing for the attention of scouts. They are a good team who enjoyed 60% possession away from home in Europe, although Celtic denied them genuine chances for most of the game.
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Spartak and Benfica will both believe they could have done better in the group but we got further evidence of a few football facts from this campaign:
It is more important to prevent defensive mistakes than to create chances.
The margin of difference between a well-organised team at this level and the very best in the world is slim, especially if the above point is observed.
Possession is overrated as an indicator of progress. Learn not to be stressed by it and to remain organised.
Discipline is an underrated indicator of progress.
I started Monday’s blog by saying, “Here is a prediction for you, Wednesday’s Champions League game at Celtic Park will not end with 22 players on the field”. Spartak are a good team but they had a man sent off against Celtic in Moscow when in a winning position, then kicked everything that moved last night, culminating in a red card for an assault on Kris Commons.
Indiscipline is an expensive commodity.
Neil Lennon will now have time to review the several elements of this campaign which worked well and the few which didn’t. Each tactical decision made was a risk but will have taught him things about his team. We will be well prepared for the next round.
As for Georgios, what a performance.
Epilepsy Scotland have a Celtic ball with certificate of authenticity, signed by 12 Celtic players on the day of the Barcelona game which is available for auction by email. The competition closes tomorrow (Thursday) at 20:00. To win this fantastic piece of Celtic memorabilia email your bid to trusts@epilepsyscotland.org.uk. The prize if for collection only, any postage required would need to be paid separately. All funds raised will go towards Epilepsy Scotland.
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If we make the semi’s and dont make the final will we be gutted/? You bet we will be!!
Jimmyquinnsbits
If I was certain that wee Jamsie would be fit until the end of the season, then I wouldn’t be suggesting we need a winger.
I am not a man for stats ( except when they suit my argument :-)) , but from memory Jamsie has been injured for about 25% of games for the last couple of seasons . So, on the basis that he is not available as mush as I would like, I think we need a winger.
I also think that if we brought on James with 25 to go in Benfica, we could have got a point.
StringerBell :- I can’t answer for everywhere but I know that in Ayrshire games must be played on a grass, 3g or 4g pitch. The same applies for games that fall under SAFA authority. Sadly the wimps today will never know the joy of pulling lumps of cinder out of your leg :-)
I think the team are running out of steam. It will be great to get wee Forrest Back and Stokesy. I think we need to smarter and faster on the breakaway.
January signings? I would like to see a couple of new faces at least, one being Young Russell of DU.
Thoughts on signings anyone?
What is the Stars
22:54 on 6 December, 2012
pedrocaravanchio
can you give it a rest,
Ed’s been posting on here for many years,he doesnt have to explain himself to anyone.
…………………………….
Nor does PC67, he’s also been posting on here for years. Is length of service really relevant?
His questions are valid an well put.
Izzy
Doc wasn’t referring to you, trust me, I won’t lie to you.
Just take it easy mi amigo.
HH
EU thanks. Good news.
Ash pitches the worst ever development in scotish football.
Was very surprised at Kayal’s inclusion last night as I thought Joe Ledley would have been the better fit for this type of game to stop the Ruskies playing.
After first 10 mins I watched Beram ball chasing and trying to put in a Broonie type shift but a couple of yards too short most of the time.
We had a Broonie in there and I was very worried.
Anyway it worked out ok in the end and just my opinion but Beram looks a tad shot of match practice right now and I hope he gets his game together soon.
Sitting pretty in the last 16 anyhoo, hail hail,
Mincey.
Jude,
All over the place?
you mean their supporters? :)
I agree actually, we could trounce them. Luckily, I’m on a research mission and am off to the Etihad on Sunday to suss out which of them is the worst and identify how many goals Samaras would put past man ure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lotkzHsIuoA
I had to get to bed last night but I thought the LC tune was one of the absolute highlights of the night. 1:16 The whole stadium senses Wembley, who am I to argue. Total Belief is ever so powerful. How fitting would it be that the CL that was won by the most undeserving bunch ever was subsequently won by the most deserving. I’d put money on it. I already did. :)
Is that some howling I can hear @ 2:39 ;))
bada bing
http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/
if your on the bevy i would give it a miss. stunning spot though
P.S. I have no issue with huns posting on this site, polite or otherwise.
Ed, you stand up for yoursef well, but your evasive manner is fueling this debate.
Good for you pal.
I just hope when the sevco support come to my neck of the woods next weekend that they dont leave the place looking like manchester city centre ala 2008. The word on the street is that there’s a need for large barricades and stun guns.
EdUrsus
One question and I promise Ill say no more of the matter and also leave the blog to enjoy the sweet victory the Celts pulled off.
In your opening post, minutes after full time last night, which subject came first ?
Kind hearted Rangers fans on Facebook
Or
Congratulating a Celtic win.
?
Clashcitybhoy,
thats a fair point… however, I do think our game is too dependent on the wings. Don’t get me wrong, we need that, but what I’d give for a central midfielder who is confident and skillful enough to control the ball, look, and play a pass from behind the front two.
ACGR
What is the stars is cool, he’s doing what any friend would do and stick up for his pal.
The fact that Ed is known to so many on here, is ok with me. wasnt trying to stir up a hornets nest, just curious on his perspectives and to be fair, i’m fine with what he said.
PC67
Petec
Great to hear the late Jose rasping his way out the sound system at CP last night.
edward ursus
23:03 on6 December, 2012
Your point about the sectarian policy is fair, the founders never intended for their club to be twisted in such a way, they wanted to play football, but Mr Struth and Mr Primrose, hero’s of the club, implemented the policy of not playing Catholics, it has never been addressed by the club at any time. So together with the recent tax/dual contracts issues The Rangers have been culpable for some wrongs, the club seems to be unable to accept wrongdoing in the past or in the present.
Do you think this is something The Rangers fans could ever address?
Without contrition there can be no reconciliation.
I accept you are not responsible for the club, but I could not support a club some of my friends were not allowed to play for because of their religion.
Again I welcome your contributions.
FFB
They dont seem to have a settled team just now. I wonder if they wd use M P again to prepare if we get them?
Now that wd be interesting.
A Ceiler Gonof Rust :- Sorry I have to disagree, I don’t think my answers have been evasive, I always try to give the fullest answer I can. If you tell me which answers you find vague I’ll be happy to do my best to clarify.
Edward Ursus,
I have great respect for your candid response to very severe (though understandable), questioning on this site. I enjoy your intellect.
You do, however, tend to dodge, IMO, a major, factual question regarding the club you support, which is, “Do you accept , the FACT, that rangers are being/ will be/ are liquidated so no longer exist?
Consequently, the newco, under whatever name, is FACTUALLY, a different entity.
I fully understand the whole emotional side, Ibrox, blue jerseys, some same players, same manager thankfully, etc
So, as you are a respected member of the CQN community, I simply wish to ask you;,
Given that The rangers cannot play in Europe for years to come, that the rangers play in division 3, that the rangers played in the Ramsdens cup, that the rangers played in the early rounds of he Scottish Cup and that the rangers are not liable for the debts and “mistakes” of oldco Rangers, By what FACTUAL reasoning can the entity, the rangers 2012, be accepted as Rangers ?
EC67
Not trying to give YOU a hard time, but just cannot understand the general delusion of old Rangers supporters in assuming Sevco rangers support.
TET,
Never thought you refered to me, no worries there mate.
Emdae twitted the Pope yet? o))
The Angus Goat Protection League are looking for volunteer members for next saturday. Anyone who owns a pitchfork, razor wire or garlic cloves is encouraged to join and lend a hand.
Here TET
Have you not got more to worry about with international Cement Truck logistics than taking care of the odd Tim asking the odd Q of ole ED who as we know is well able, and willing to, take care of himself. :/)
Not digging at you Tom. But you do know that still makes me chortle on the odd occassion I think about.
On another note.
When is Mr Z going to reports his Winnie the Poo post. Best CQN post ever.
Sydney Tim. Not seen you for a while either. Get your but back on CQN. We miss your slant on all things good about the Tic. I don’t actually believe you to be a Troll.
Where are all the brow beaten moaning Tims anyways.
MWD
PC67, shut it ya diddy.
ACGR
Barricades and stun guns? is that no just for the local burds coming out of the dancin’
Glad to see you got home ok. i’ll not make the St mirren game, will you be coming down on the 22nd for the Ross county game, thinking we could have a Christmas lunch in Coias…..turkey an trimmins!!
Twittered maybe.
Petec/ TET,
and unlike any previous euro ventures, this time we are winning both home and away, and not one ten has got the better of us over 180 mins except Benfica who we got more points than.
Am seeing a wee pattern develop here, known to the basic sports fan, as “winning” :))
Jude 2005,
I DM’d him as I am looking for Dundee away tickets.
Not heard back yet :-)
Doc is Neil Lennon
Please accept my apologies for the misunderstanding.
pedrocaravanachio67
23:08 on 6 December, 2012
…………..He’s a rangers supporter, coming on to a Celtic blog, surely he’s going to come under some scrutiny.
________
Does that statement suggest that each new poster coming onto CQN has some inherent right to cross-examine Edward, until HE decides whether or not Ed is worthy of the honour that we are bestowing on him ?
Have enough people not already vouched for him as being an honest football man.
He has posted on this site a lot longer than those who want to interrogate him.
He has NEVER made an offensive post.
Enough already !
Who’s coming along for a beer on Sunday night to raise a glass to Kano who is 3 years back in the breasts of his family on the 9th of December. Firewater Sauchiehall St from 6.
And another thing. Don’t one of you dare forget Kano’s birthday on the 15th of December. Plenty of messages on the blog Bhoys n ghirls.
MWD
I hope to see,a lot more of Lassad in the coming weeks. Hope he stays free of injury and plays alongside Hooper. More of a goal threat than Sammi. Good it will keep him on his toes. Whats the news on Lustig, Commons and Mulgrew ?
HH
Jude 2005.
Best ye rephrase that,lot.of touchy people on tonight:-)
mike in toronto
22:06 on6 December, 2012
Hello Stephebhoy1
Since you are new (and tol , hopefully, break the tedium of the last hours posts, welcome to CQN.
where do you watch the games in TO? Do you go to McV’s? There are a few guys on here from the Scarborough club…. but we are well disguised…. (Mike IN TORONTO… TORONTOny… ) so, we are pretty hard to find .. there’s a nice group at the club there… always welcome.
PS… sorry, Tony, if I am stealing your job here.
awe_naw_no_annoni_oan_anaw_noo
22:08 on6 December, 2012
Izzy
Well I live up in Brampton, so I used to go to the cellic club there,,, but I couldn’t manage due to coaching and work. Now I watch it in the house, either on the tv or pc.
A Ceiler Gonof Rust
23:37 on 6 December, 2012
PC67, shut it ya diddy.
You been reading shakespeare again, your command of the English language is…… well…..beyond words.
night night bro
Doc
Me thinks you picked me up wrong :>)
I said to izzy you weren’t referring to him, that’s the way I picked up your post, sorry if I wrong.
HH
Izzy, not at all, look forward to chatting in future.