Celtic passed the ball well throughout last night’s game. The players were confident enough to take a touch under pressure, which was key to the performance and a step beyond the more rudimentary show in the Camp Nou last season. In this respect, it was a better performance than the win in Moscow, and was an improvement on even the home game against Milan in 2004.
Countless screeds were written about Efe Ambrose after his mistake against Juventus, which seemed to affect the rest of his season, but the Nigerian international looked every inch a Champions League player. His composure and driving runs were crucial in determining Celtic’s effectiveness.
All played well but if we are going to push for highlights the right flank was exceptional. How proud of Adam Matthews were you after his full-speed dribble through the Milan half? At Euro 2012 I remember some respected observers wrote that Mikael Lustig was the weakest link in the Sweden team. If the Spanish international manager watched last night’s performance he would surely lobby for the introduction of national team transfers.
These two were scouted and brought to the club for a combined total of around £1m. Since arriving they have both grown into players who can excel at the San Siro. The clues of what is happening at Celtic are not hard to find.
Charlie Mulgrew has to endure the mantle of ‘utility player’ and in the absence of Joe Ledley and Beram Kayal partnered Scott Brown in central midfield, his fourth best position. Not that there was any sign of this. Brown and Mulgrew’s intelligent movement made possible all that passing and control.
Despite the great performance Milan came away with the points and a great chance to progress. They gave Stokes, Samaras and Commons little opportunity all night. The chances which Samaras, Stokes and Brown had were ultimately all defended well. Stokes free kick which rebounded off the crossbar would have changed the result but it was far from an easy chance.
Going forward we would do well to remember the importance of winning free kicks around the edge of the box. Teemu Pukki looked to have lost possession but used his strength well to win the infringement which resulted in Stokes free kick. Mario Balotelli needed little encouragement to tumble all night and he did so effectively five minutes from time.
Make sure we win free kicks 24 yards out and don’t concede them.
An away defeat against the second seed in the first game is probably a better result than the 0-0 home draw we achieved against Benfica last season, but Milan have an important 3 points in the bag in what looks like an interesting fight for second place.
Celtic are the team who can most improve their chances of qualification on match day 2. Another win against Barcelona at Celtic Park would give us an excellent chance of progressing but the journey up from pot 4 is incredibly difficult.
Is it a worry that we conceded late goals after the players were showing signs of lethargy? Lethargy is a well-documented part of the game, one which is often crucial in determining success in Champions League football and which we can learn to exploit.
1254125 at The Great Scottish Run.
On Sunday 6 October there is a 10k and Half Marathon. If that is beyond you. There are family events taking place the day before. This is your club, remind the world of what really counts and get involved in 1254125.
The first thing you need to do is sign up for the Great Scottish Run, or here for one of the family events.
Once you’ve done that, you can register for the 1254125 campaign here.
Then you can create a donations page here. Click Start Fundraising, search for Celtic Charity, setup your My Donate account).
Email me and let me know if you are having trouble signing up or need any more help, celticquicknews@gmail.com.
To read the new issue of CQN Magazine click here (don’t try to read the graphic below).
[calameo code=000390171853d2bfc4f69 lang=en page=4 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
825 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- ...
- 22
- »
FFM
Maybe someone could put up the sketch with Delbhoy and Rodney taking down a couple of chandeliers.
Eurochamps67 –
Thanks for that list of successes – you been taking notes ;-)
Played Langlands in the rain today and carded a respectable (for me) 92, the highlight being at the first hole where I only managed to hole a 130 yard 7-iron for an eagle 2. Never ever been 2 under on a course before! And this time it was witnessed.
Which reminds me, better clean / dry my clubs now…
EDB
Dinny dae that… al peee ma pants :))
BT -I think Spotify is half price for students?
Bada
Every day is a learning day…
Euro champs- yes, had a great time.
Memphis and Nashville.
Edb, last I heard Neil R was in London.
EDB,
:)) There you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnhYzfg7ug4
Does the dead bulb get to keep its history?
THE EXILED TIM
Been on it today till half 7 tonight but just refreshed the page and have same problem as you now.
All together now:
‘Oh the Chrystal Chandeliers light up the paintings on your wall……’
Charlie Pride and The Bhoys
leftclicktic
Maybe they have had an attack, wouldn’t put it past the scum out there.
HH
The strange but true fact about a chandelier is the more bulbs it has the lighter it gets and yet it should get heavier
Dbbia
Watt do you mean
Friday took a long time to arrive this week. Can I get a Celtic fix at the weekend on the telly V?
Gene, possibly. But I still think at
some point he will have cross the streams. Again, I’m expecting the Tesla coils to be CD/DC.
In 2001 Valencia were runners up in the Champions League. The same year, Swansea were relegated to the old Division 3.
Tbj
That’s shocking
El Madrigal
Nice post, thanks.
Modern chandeliers is rubbish….
Laura said Thanks CQN for birthday wishes
Hail Hail
FFM
Wonderful. Thank you. That’s why we only have one chandelier in our dining room:o)
Ah the ole Celtic Park lightbulbs successfully guided German bombers up the Clyde during World War II.
Hoopy Birthday Laura
I do remember having a chandelier in one of my student flats until someone decided to swing from it at one of our parties…..
Such good light entertainment on CQN tonight.
Gene
Ive got plenty more but none are current :)
On FF……
theres a rumour goin’ roon that the Tims left the Big Chandelier on
during the war to help the Germans……..
Good night all
After thinking I would not make game on Sat,a combination of events have ensured that I will be there :))
I know from reading posts this week on here the someone his ensured that our own Miki67 will be remembered on the big screen, thank you whoever you are and on the 67th minute I will silently reflect on the passing of one of our own, though I never met him he left his mark on me through CQN.
“they never die who live in the hearts they left behind”
(stolen of willie maley graves post earlier).
again good night and thank you for being here
BSR
…..gtreat minds!
Ah! The ole electricity/chandelier puns are beginning to light up the blog!
Ooooooooops
Hooooooooooooooooooooooopy birthday Laura :))
Bit of a sair gut. Too much tablet!
bankiebhoy1
We’re in our element.
burghbhoy
20:53 on 19 September, 2013
Save some for the bus brother!
Ssn giving the old sevco back to the top bull
Tony Watt knows all about bulbs.
Just heard that a friend cannot make the Ajax game in Amsterdam, and has booked a room on the night of the game at the Hilton at the Arena. It is a twin room for two, cost him £120, he would be happy to sell for a Hundred. If anyone is interested can you message me via P67.
Thanks
HH
Repost from Earlier
Tbj
My hertz isn’t in this pun malarky