It pains me to say it, but Newco’s run in Europe this season has been exceptional. We can make whatever excuses we like about the merits of Braga and Red Star, but this didn’t matter to us in 2003 when we eliminated Boavista, then 10th in the Portuguese league, and it should not matter now.
For much of the game last night, Leipzig looked ordinary; unable to get into the Newco box, never mind create a chance. The goal came from a low percentage shot by a left back who moments before mis-controlled the ball to let it run out of play.
Leipzig, though, are anything but ordinary. Defeat to two late goals by Union Berlin on Saturday was their only reversal in 17 outings, a run that includes wins away over Atalanta, Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad. They remain favourites to progress to the final, but the game did not go to plan for the Germans and their place in the final is not assured.
Four years ago today we beat Newco 5-0 to win the league on our way to being the first Scottish team to retain the treble. That day, that season, was enormous fun, but it was one in a long line of seasons when Celtic were not pushed. Strategically, that treble did less for us than I hope the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat two weeks ago will do. You and I now know we need to improve for next season.
To win this league we will need to better a team who reached a European semi-final. If we do, it would be a remarkable achievement for a new manager and overwhelmingly new playing squad. For the remainder of this season and almost certainly next season, we face-off against a very competitive outfit for a Champions League bounty that would be transformational to whoever wins.
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Only thought was Geo or Kyogo.
Team looks strong, further options on the bench.
They’ll attack out full backs.
Perfect opportunity for any player to become a hero.
We would have given anything to be here at start of the season
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