FOOTBALL is a game of highs and lows, and no one knows this better than the Celtic fanbase. Known as one of the most loyal in world football, Celtic fans have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions over the last decade.
This season itself has been one to remember as the Scottish Premiership title race is providing constant action, drama, twists and turns. However, drama has long been a part of the club’s fabric, and there have been plenty of outrageous comebacks throughout Celtic’s history.
From incredible domestic results to surprising outcomes in Europe, Celtic have consistently kept fans on the edge of their seats. This article will revisit three sensational Celtic comebacks that have left an indelible mark on football history.
Celtic 4-3 Aberdeen
– 16/03/2013
In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Celtic pulled off a stunning comeback against Aberdeen in 2013. Despite taking the lead after just 12 seconds through Kris Commons, The Bhoys found themselves trailing 1-3 after a goal from Scott Vernon and a brace from Josh Magennis.
However, Celtic weren’t to be beaten that easily. Goals from Charlie Mulgrew and Gary Hooper brought them level. The hero of the match was their Greek talisman Georgios Samaras, who buried an overhead kick in the final moments of the game, securing a 4-3 victory for Celtic.
Celtic 4-2 Kilmarnock
– 14/01/2006
The year 2006 seemed to be a year of comebacks for Celtic. After squandering a 2-0 lead, Celtic had it all to do against Kilmarnock. The Bhoys had taken the lead through goals from Nakamura and a Shaun Maloney penalty. However, Kilmarnock fought back, with a penalty from Naismith and a goal from substitute Invincibile bringing them level just after half-time.
Once again, Stephen McManus rose to the occasion, putting Celtic back in the lead. Zurawski then sealed the points in the 67th minute, ensuring a 4-2 victory for Celtic.
Hearts 2-3 Celtic
– 01/01/2006
The year 2006 started with a bang for Celtic fans as they witnessed one of the most thrilling comebacks in football history. The Bhoys, as Celtic is fondly known, were up against rivals Hearts.
The game seemed to be slipping away from Celtic as Hearts took a 2-0 lead, thanks to Edgaras Jankauskas and Steven Pressley. However, the tide turned in Celtic’s favour when Stephen Pearson tapped home from Shaun Maloney’s cross.
The hero of the match was undoubtedly Celtic defender Stephen McManus. He rose to the occasion, scoring two late goals that turned the game on its head. McManus first tapped home from a Shaun Maloney cross and then headed in a great ball from Nakamura in the final minutes, securing a 3-2 victory for Celtic.
These three matches serve as a testament to Celtic’s never-say-die attitude and their ability to turn games around in the face of adversity.
They are a reminder of why football is often called a game of two halves and why Celtic has one of the most loyal fanbases in world football. These comebacks are not just victories, but they are also a source of inspiration and a symbol of the Celtic spirit.
