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.
Thanks for the great support for the CQN Annual. You can order online here!
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.
[calameo code=00039017193b8a8bbd612 lang=en page=126 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
1,215 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 32
- »
ernie lynch
12:36 on
6 December, 2012
Considering they had nothing to play for I was surprised at the number of Spartak fans who were there last night.
Is Parkhead/CP now seen as ‘must visit’ ground for fans?
I think the cheaper bevy might have something to do with that.
Borussia Dortmond is a strong side ,attacking and energetic and Shalke are useful too.
But Bayern Munich are streets ahead of both of them.Just take a look at their league table. They are ,IMHO second favourites after Barca for the CL.
What about another trip to Paris?
If my memory is correct, I discovered this site around about the end of 2005.
EDWARD URSUS was posting way back then (under a different name I think). He never hid what team he supported. He never disrespected Celtic posters. He always posted with good humour, except when we pumped his team (well he wouldn’t would he) but took it on the chin nonetheless. If his team had a good day at the office, hed come on, give a wee gloat (as was his right – were big bhoys – should be able to take it) then tell everyone hed back off for a few days.
Above all, he always called it like it was in times when his club made an arse of itself. He always spoke out against his clubs dubious signing policies AND his fellow fans song repertoire etc etc. Hes probably just one of those guys that just supports his team despite its background. They do exist you know.
Some of the debate wasn’t always congenial with him but thats what this great site is all about. Christ the opinions on many subjects on here are so diverse but thats what makes it interesting. Hearing a SEVCO fans opinion is interesting also – is it not ?
If anyone has a problem with a decent non sleakit SEVCO fan posting here, that facilitates direct debate with one of ‘them’ in a civilised manner, then they should take a good look at themselves.
From previous article..
Great summary Paul67 on what was a fantastic night.
Myself, Fin2003 & Fin2007 had a great evening…..until wee Fin2003 fell asleep with 10 mins to go!!
All players and coaching staff take a bow – an amazing achievement. Thanks for a great end to 2012….roll on 2013!!
One slight negative last night…..the rocket sitting in front of me. Older gentlemen who spent the entire 2nd half giving Sammi and Hoops pelters. The guy had absolutely no clue about football…..he could get a job with MSM!! I hope he wakes up today feeling embarassed with the drivel he was spouting. Perhapas he frequents CQN…if you are looking in, sort yourself out.
I was in Lisbon Lion Block 116, Row G seat 3 – if any of you know the guy I am talking about have a word with him…
Marti Sandino
Topnotch football right into 2013….what’s not to like ?
A very happy new year indeed.
Watched some Bayern games recently and they would definitely be tricky to beat.
But ye never know…….
He’s Greek. He’s great.
well that was certainly an “interesting” night shift.
Anyone know when the draw for the last 16 is? Celtic twitter shouting the 20th but Uefa website saying the 14th?
HH
It would be hard to get a ticket for Malaga game o.k. but can you imagine the week in Torremolinos.
Russians – not EU citizens needed to apply for visas to Polish or UK consulate to get to Glasgow. Procedure takes four or five weeks. That means that their fans bought tickets when Spartak was still in the game.
fanadpatriot
12:30 on 6 December, 2012
_________________________________
It’s all about opinions M8.
And, about how much of ‘OOR’ money the leaders are prepared to spend ?
But, today isny the day for all of that…..but…theres always the morra !
HH
quonno@12.43
I don’t think they ever said ‘never,’ (the Helsingborg away leg was shown on ITV.)
But if we are playing the same night as an English team they will probably show that as they rightly or wrongly, think a Man U or Arsenal match is a bigger draw (UK wide) than a Celtic match.
Like Paul, knew this game would be tight and was concerned when I heard Barca had decided to rest their entire forward line – we had to win. The Russians were tough nay in fact dirty and a lenient ref let them away with a lot.
Celtic’s relentless second half pressure paid off in the end against a team with nothing to play for.
Georgios got the treatment from Spartak’s defenders like elbows and knees into the back and kicks into the bargain. Georgios is not only a good footballer but also has great guts and was superb last night and loves the big stage.
Kris and Gary also in terrific form. Great second half performance by Kelvin and Ambrose and Lustig now looking a player of quality.
Personally, I would not fear the current Manu team and I think Celtic with a full squad can beat them.
Kayal33 the minimum entitlement is 5%. There are rules regarding payment etc .. but these can be waived and changed by agreement.
Blackburn fans were absolutely livid when their club, without consultation, requested only c.2,000 tickets for Celtic Park but agreed a far bigger allocation to us for the tie at Ewood Park.
As one fan said “The biggest game we’ve had in years. A once in a lifetime opportunity and those pr”!&s on the board are so out of touch they don’t even undersatnd that.”
He must have been incandescent when he saw the number of Celts in their stadium.
Rule 14.08
http://uk.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/Regulations/competitions/Regulations/01/62/69/60/1626960_DOWNLOAD.pdf
Has Alex Salmond congratulated us yet on our magnificent win?
archdeaconsbench
12:55 on
6 December, 2012
quonno@12.43
I don’t think they ever said ‘never,’ (the Helsingborg away leg was shown on ITV.)
But if we are playing the same night as an English team they will probably show that as they rightly or wrongly, think a Man U or Arsenal match is a bigger draw (UK wide) than a Celtic match.
…………
There was no english team playing that night
We’re skint and they know it…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2243903/How-Celtics-squad-stacks-Manchester-City-Chelseas.html
Another note.
Some Sevco fans wanted to sit with Spartak fans but tickets were for sale only after giving Russia passport number.
hankray
12:57 on 6 December, 2012
__________________________
Totally agree with all of that M8.
Welll said.
HH
Welll = Well
typo
sorry
.
As for Georgios, what a performance.
Paul67..
Great Article.. Bit Short IMHO..;0)
Summa of NuffSaidCSC
Islam Feruz how it going these days son.If only.
The Russians were very dirty and the foul on Kris was appalling. By the way have ye all seen the highlights of the Barca game. I have them recorded and am afraid to watch them again, just don’t know how Benefica didn’t manage to score.
Ntassoolla,
Have you ever been to Inverness ?
If you have, you werent too impressed with a certain Chip shop eh ? :
Ntassoolla
MEMBER
Qyper since 05-05-2011
Mr Chips (26-08-2012)
Too many rent-a-recomend’s on here.
£2.20 for a small portion of chips. That’s worse than London where at least they have the excuse of higher costs and spuds that have to come from hundreeds of miles away.
I’ve been watching football for 50 years, and trying to study it for about the last 30-35 of those. I love the uncertainty which ultimately makes it the most exciting sport in the world for most people. Money will probably have the final say again in who will win the CL, but last night Celtic proved that if a couple of ingredients are right, a team can over achieve and go further than expected.
The two main factors in Celtic’s tremendous qualification effort were a) terrific work ethic and b) an excellent goalkeeper.
Last night it was work rate and 110% commitment which won the game against a technically superior side. For the Barca games it was both attributes.
When Brian Clough won two European cups he had those two qualities in his Nottingham Forest team. He broke the bank for Trevor Francis but before that he signed Peter Shilton (great keeper) for 300k (1977?), who was the rock on which his team was built. Clough proved what could be done with a group of players who were not superstars, but just right good performers like Robertson Gemmell and Woodcock, abley backed by players who knew the system inside out like McGovern and O’Neill. But the secret was his goalie, without whom, he wouldnt have conquered Europe twice.
I realise its a different era but I see the similarity. As Chelsea (unlucky) and Man City are dumped out with multi million pound squads, they must surely look north and admire what NL has achieved by getting the basics right. So for me its the team spirit and work ethic, Fraser Forster and the fantastic home support to thank.
Final word..NL has completely overwhelmed the critics who tried to put him down. I’m not talking about the handfull of fans who had a go after the Inverness game, I mean the Scottish MSM and the bigots.
Well done.
hh
So the final is on the 25th of May is it ? 49 years to the day, so will the SFA postpone the Scottish cup final or expect us to play two games on the same day do you think?
BigChipsUK – There’s only one (SPL) team in Glasgow
12:59 on 6 December, 2012
__________________________________
THAT is great stuff M8.
Thanks for sharing.
HH
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS – Where did Philvis arrive from?
(sound of TARDIS landing) (thumbsup)
everalwayscfc – You are too kind, my friend in Celtic. (thumbsup)
myboysnowatim you have me spooked.
I looked at a house bordering that chippy which is why I googled it.
The chippy in Blackheath now wants £2.40 for a bag of chips and on a hungry day you’d need two of his portions.
BTW Inverness is a great town. I’ve a hankering to move there.
Bamboo, Bayern are leading the Bundesliga at the moment but are still to really cure their galacticos problem and to gel as a team. Certainly they’ve improved this season but on the other hand I suspect Dortmund have taken their foot off the gas domestically to go all guns blazing for the CL this year. I can see them being in the final.
HH
Off oot – before the Daleks start all their nonsense….
May God Bless Paul 67
and ‘Every’ Internet Bampot
Hail Hail
laters…..
The three outstanding displays for me last night were Commons, Samaras and Hooper. Sammi would get my MOTM for his passion, bravery and all-round team play, but Hooper gave the best lone striker performance I’ve ever seen at Celtic – tremendous holding up work, intelligent passing and tousy defensive challenges. Commons too gave a performance that would earn him MOTM on most other nights – composure in piucking out a pass and so strong on the ball, capped with a great blasty penalty to send us through.
Heart rate rating – 120 bpm.
Ntassoolla,
Dont be spooked, just googled your unusual handle, wondered if it meant anything. Theres been a Ntassoolla posting a lot on review sites.
Corkceltic. My experiences with Rangers fans has not been good there has been lots of intimidation and even violence on there part.However, things can never improve if we are allways at each others throats we need to have dialogue if things are ever to improve for our children and grand children and make Scotland a better place to live for all irrespective of there colour,race or creed.H.H.
Why do I keep getting the Consumer Group Survey? Ive done abt 20+ of them!! Very annoying!!
Peter Lawwell is going to be a very busy man in the next 2 months
Lots of players contracts need extended. Stokes + Rogne are 2 whose contracts expire next summer
That CL cash has arrived at a very interesting time for some players
Dont see John Clark abt the dug out of late emdae know why?/
Celtic should consider a CL last 16 ticket as part of a 4 match package for non SB holders, priced £90-£100
JFH
“if that makes me a bigot so be it.H.H.”
I don`t know if it makes you a bigot but if it does, you seem to be quite comfortable being so. Hardly a good base for reasoned argument.
JJ