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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pigalle at 14:22
Ha ha, liked that.
It seems that at half time he drunk 3 litres of ouzo and unravelled the Gordian Knot because he was thirsty and bored.
DU. Tickets for RatBag F.C. game :£1. Give the ratbags 50% of THAT.
Even then, it’s more than they deserve.
Granted grace to enter into the league structure without the required 3 yrs. accounts, ahead of worthier candidates, and they strut around like little hitlers, more pompous and arrogant than ever, protected from on high by the Grima Wormtongue-like Campbell Ogilvie.
When is the sfa going to actually grow a pair of cojones and actually do something meaningful about this gang of ne’erdowells?
Redundant question.
Never.
We need them, apparently.
Aye, right.
Thursday
The Ghod Like Genius of Georgios Samaras……what more needs to be said?
Well…maybe Cometh the Hour!….Commons The Man!
Both were exceptional last night as was Gary Hoopers workrate and predatory instincts.
On the THEMS boycott of the Arabs
I would love to see the tickets go on general sale and fans of every club in Scotland stand by United and their fans and sell out Tannadice as long as no money goes to the permarage new club.
Neil Lennon @OfficialNeil
Just found out Scott Browns now on twitter….this could get interesting
Just finished watching the game again, this time taking it all in …….. THAT WAS FANTASTIC ,,,,,,EVER MHAN A HERO, AND THE FANS…..WOW …..!!!!!!!!
Thank God Kris Commons and Lionel Messi did not sustain serious injuries…..for any Celtic fan to criticise Barcelona for playing a weakened team, is just silly ……. Would we have played a weakened team if we had been sitting at the top / qualified ?…..of course we would have….!!!!…….luv watching Barca, and proud of the relationship we enjoy with them, and they with us ……..
What a Club we are all fortunate enough to support…..
Seven Fishes Four Steaks
You haven’t been having a football debate with someone of the blue persuasion oan twitter have you…
They can get very touchy and request tae have your account suspended.
Its happened to me in the past!
It will be back up tomorrow!
Can I Have Raspberry On That Champions League Ice Cream
I don’t think it does. Due to poor performances from our fellow scots, the co-efficient for Scotland is still so low we will still have qualifiers to play for the next 2-3 years anyway. Even if we win all the rest of the games and trophy this season, it still won’t be enough to even move Scotland up one place.
Mort
Charity begins at home Chuckles !
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/charity-vow-to-help-out-rangers-1118012
(warning the above contains link to Daily Record website)
Seven Fishes Four Steaks
People are easily offended these days!! :)
Same thing on Facebook if three or more people report a post in the space of 24hrs you’ll be blocked for 24hrs – If you get reported again – 1 week – and again – account suspended!
Some people are funny that way – to paraphrase the Avalanches – Frontier Psychiatrist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS3AZ12xf6s
[[[[Green told Rangers’ official website: “The Club was contacted by Dundee United requesting us to waive our rights to the share of the gate under Cup Competition Rule 46(c), this was declined.
“It has been decided by the board that any proceeds from gate receipts due to the Club will be donated to the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Brick by Brick Appeal and Erskine charities via the Rangers Charity Foundation.” ]]]]
Sure. After suitable ‘handling’ and ‘administration’ fees are trousered by Mr. Snake Oil.
Lyin’ twat.
The Battered Bunnet @ 14 46 .
Juve would suit me – 2 hr cheapie flight from Catania. Stay with a Torino fan ..
Alternatively , I could rough it and go on my local Juve Club’s bus
IMO NEIL should now play his best available team in every game …… It allows them to create a better understanding of each other, game by game, … to ‘grow’ …… The squad players who get a chance, need to prove they are better than the player they’re substituting…..
Notthebus
Apparently professor Stephen hawkin is already following broony.
Meanwhile.Back at the Ranch………
Celtic’s Forward Thinkers.. ur….well.. Forward Thinkin’
And
They hiv bin takin’ steps..
so .. faur.. Baby wan’s.. but, Nevertheless.. Steps,none the Less..
At this Time..
Celtic, hiv bin “Runnin’ the Rule over.. AT LEAST..
TWO .. Possible Striker Prospects.. who hiv bin recently oan Triall wi’ Us.
And.. They Like Wit’ they see..
Mebbe, we wull get News ,soon.. if
Celtic, Manage tae Sign eethur wan of they Guys…
Yep…
‘
As Ah hiv Said Fur Years..oan Here..
‘
“Thank Godot… Fur.. Peter and Desmond and that Wornder Group o’ Guys, who sit aroon the Big Green Baize Table”
Fur Many,Many Reasons.
Kojo
Still…Laughin’
*hawking
Bloody iPhone.
Brilliant brilliant result last night.
Just recovering from my hangover.
The last couple of days have been fab.
Long may it continue
Schalke are doable
I want Schalke
The SFA cannot allow Chuck to pocket money deigned for charity yet again …. can they ?
Hail Hail
David Prowse. at 14.59
Tell ME.. Aboot it, pal!!!!!
Kojo
Still Laughin’.. though.. Still, Laughin’
NegAnon
Hangover free from me today.
I am such a good bhoy and the wife has hardly noticed or complimented me on my restraint ;-)
Hail HAil
JDuffy/DavidP
I have been “chatting” to a few from the other side but nothing too bad!
When I get it back, I’ll not tweet them again. Thanks
Sffs
Only in Scotland could a slimy clown like Green get away with giving to charity with money he doesn’t actually have.
That is despicable.
But no doubt this will be hailed by the MSM as genius without an ounce of scrutiny.
United new plan – give all your fans a free ticket and do a charity bucket collection and give that to charity making Green look like what he is shameless and disgusting.
Hardly a word about Chas Mulgrew last night … I thought he was sensational
He should change his name to Carlos Mulgrewi
Hail Hail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2243878/Elgin-fan-mortified-Ibrox-dance-display–VIDEO.html
Kojo
Me too!!!
They don’t seem to like our charming wit and sparkling repartee!!!
Well done Neil and the bhoys last night. Continual improvement is all I ask!
Someone asked on the previous blog about comparative stats between McGeady and Commons.
These stats are from the start of Strachan’s reign to now:
McGeady
Minutes 15798
Goals 32
Assists 55
Min per Goal 494
Min per Assist 287
Min per Key Contribution 182
Commons
Minutes 5032
Goals 23
Assists 24
Min per Goal 219
Min per Assist 210
Min per Key Contribution 107
This suggests Commons is nearly twice as productive as McGeady was, although Commons takes more free kicks and corners.
But quite revealing nonetheless. I like both players a lot but had misgivings about both of them – McGeady in terms of his decision making and Commons appears a lazy player to me on occasions.
Both great entertainers though, and capable of a brilliant moments.
HH
TLK
The Charles Green boycott/picketing thing is a total nonsense.
A. the match was in 2009.
B. they’ve been back to Tannadice since.
C. Sevco is not Rangers.
It’s like someone slapping your pal and you shout “Ouch” three years later.
went to cafe choshachok last night superb check out the vodka staff excellent Drunking post Great night Hail Hail Hebcelt
Auldheid – I like Malaga. Lovely vibe, great restaurants, and melders of good bars tucked away in obscure places.
SoT – I fancy Juve myself. I think we’d make a fist of the tie, while there would be no shame in losing to them. Worst possible would be going out to a team we were more closely matched with.
TBB I fancy Malaga
awe_naw_no_annoni_oan_anaw_noo
>>>>>>
I think you awe naw’d that demented disco queen to the point of self-mortification….
: > )
My Dear,dear,dear,friend… Jist .. David
Yep..
Some Mudders hiv ’em.. and some .. Fadders.. An Awe!
Kojo
yer pal…who .. likes yer style.
Still, laughin’
Scott Brown @ScottBrown8
@joe16led wants Paris st germain in the next round. He says he’s never been to germainy :)
Apologies if the subject has already been mentioned, but, am I the only one who thinks that we wouldn’t have got that penalty in the SPL/Scottish Cup/League Cup?
H H
Ah wiz wan o’ the Vert First Guys, oan here…
(Big Surprise..eh?)
Who wanted tae CASH in oan.. Aiden..
He wiz..in Ma Opinion… Jist … ” Transfer Fodder”…
And.. Lo an behold..
Celtic, Did .. Transfer Him..
And
Goat some . Lolly.. and That wiz .. Jolly!
And last Night.. Ah could see that .. Aiden, as he is still the same ole Sixpence.. wull soon be movin’ oan… fae his
present abode.
Fur..
He is. In Ma Opinion..
Still.
“Transfer Fodder”.
Kojo
Still. Laughin’
Snake Plissken
It certainly gives a new definition to the word ‘charity’.
If it had been in Scotland…..THAT would’ve got Sammi red-carded….
Victorian saying : ” As Cold as Charity “
Ipod: Alice in Chains…off to pay the devil his dues.