There were some tasty, some would say succulent, draws in the Champions League yesterday. Milan-Barcelona have both won the tournament within the last decade, and although Milan are at the bottom of the trough at the moment, this tie will be a huge attraction for those of us who like our football tinged with history.
Real Madrid will travel to Manchester for the second time this season as both teams look to reclaim former European eminence. Porto-Malaga is not one that sets pulses racing but it is a token of an often-discussed concept at this level. Malaga are a fine side but are new to the competition, Porto come from a less-illustrious league but are steeped in Champions League heritage. Do you need to learn how to play in this tournament or were UK TV commentators making excuses for the failure of the English champions? Not sure but I fancy Porto to progress.
Arsenal have the daunting prospect of Bayern Munich. The German champions are clear at the top of the league which produced three group stage winners. They are also still self-flagellating after dropping the ball against English opposition in May. Beating Arsenal will not mend those wounds but it will be an absolute must for Bayern.
I watched a bit of Shakhtar Donetsk during the group stage; they are a very skilful team. Borussia Dortmund will not enjoy their trip to Ukraine, I expect Shakhtar to progress.
Valencia are not enjoying the best of seasons but although Paris Saint Germain are now top of Ligue 1 I think they are set for a fall in the Champions League. PSG may have enough to get past Valencia but if we make it to the quarters I would be happy to face them.
Galatasaray sit alongside Celtic as rank outsiders at the bookmakers, never a bad place to lurk at this stage of the competition. Schalke are tighter odds than Milan (7th in Serie A) and Valencia (11th in La Liga) perhaps because of the ‘kind’ draw. There will be at least one team in the quarter finals we would fancy our chances with.
The immediate challenge for Neil Lennon is to keep his players’ focus on tomorrow’s game against Ross County. It took an injury time equaliser to earn a point for Celtic against County earlier in the season, so nothing can be taken for granted.
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THE EXILED TIM
19:24 on 21 December, 2012
petec
I do trust in God
__________________________
I didnae realise, the email is good anyway and just re-affirms how Great Yeshua is.
Keep that Faith.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcUawB3M-vg
TET,
FFS, shhh. Obviouosly I can’t tell you about the plans, or the Rozzers will have us !>!
Shhhhh.
;\\\\\\\\\\\\:>)
prestonpans bhoys
19:12 on
21 December, 2012
Absolutely …….. This recession is going to last for many years to come, and that’s why our Board need to look at the bigger picture….
Hamiltontim et al ……having said above, I hope we don’t have to sell anyone…!!!!!!
Juve going 3-5-2
Celtic_First
You dismess my knowledge like I’m a Cassandra.
Now, I accept this as progression as I’m always right and what not.
So I’m sad to say, I can’t possibly develop the point :)))
Fortunes Favour Mibbes
19:46 on
21 December, 2012
Celtic_First
You dismess my knowledge like I’m a Cassandra.
—
I most certainly do not.
—
Check out Joan Baez singing the song.
67Heaven … I am Neil Lennon..!!.. Ibrox belongs to the creditors
19:45 on
21 December, 2012
In the 70’s and 80’s you had to be careful using the expression “et al” which was clearly a Latin educational term , from ecce romani no doubt, which meant you were a tim!!
Celtic_First
:)) Too late. But pure co-incidence <:O
Apols, this has no relevance whatsoever, but your good name made me go back to the ole musical archives.
That is important methinks !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RFq7cOVDF0
gordybhoy64 @19:39 even Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama accept that guns are used about 1.5m times per year in legitimate self-defence.
The situation is not black and white.
How would a ban on legally held guns affect the above statistic?
I don’t feel the need or compunction to come down for or against.
I’ll leave it at that.
Fortuné’s Favour
Excellent. Although my listening at the moment is entirely devoted to the Basque Seekers, Mocedades.
Tallybhoy I agree with you on player sales.
Mo Bangura presents a problem. I’ve a feeling there’s something we are not being told. I can’t see Tony watts being content to make way for him. So who will?
CF,
You’ve got my interest perked up here! Any links?
Ntassoolla
20:03 on
21 December, 2012
I would suggest that Mo deserves one last chance. Should we win the league with something to spare then let him have his chance but not at the moment we need results.
Ntassoolla
20:03 on 21 December, 2012
Tallybhoy I agree with you on player sales.
Mo Bangura presents a problem. I’ve a feeling there’s something we are not being told. I can’t see Tony watts being content to make way for him. So who will?
_______________________________________________________________________
That is crazy talk.
Caught 20 mins of the development game yesterday, so cold and wet that was all I could take. Lennoxtown is a hell of an exposed place in an east wind, coldest place on the planet.
Blackburn at 3-2 up missed an absolute sitter smacked the base of the post, the ball ran along the line but stayed out.
Goodwillie was playing for them. They knocked the ball about well and looked much bigger and stronger than our young team.
Still thawing out.
Is Neil at the Cagliari game?
Ntassoola
Tony Watt or Mo Bangura – eh?
Tough one!
Let me pose a question here:
If it had been Mo instead of Tony through on Victor Valdes that night – what would the outcome have been?
HH!!
The king onTCM, cold cider, missus bringing curry in, what’s not to like.
HH
Mo’s a player.
He’s been away playing in systems new to him. It’s all about development.
I keep saying it, we should never underestimate Lenny and his management team!!!
Fortuné’s Favour
Any links?
About a billion. Check it out on Youtube or Spotify or one of these modren ways of hearing music.
This gives a good flavour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iO3hws5ORc
Congratulations to Neil Francis Lennon
Juve a goal down to Cagliara penalty
Tallybhoy
20:10 on 21 December, 2012
_________________
Ntassoola would probably have shot Victor Valdes.
prestonpans bhoys @20:07 that’s fair comment.
I expect him to be in the transfer shop window early on and moved on as soon as possible. We’ll take a loss. Against the backdrop a very successful season vis-a-vis player values.
CF @ 20:12
Brilliant, thanks my good friend in Celtic :)))))
More of that please !!!
What a poetic lingo !!! :)))
Ha. My old football team got a mention on the juventus game. Come on the gourock YAC.
Tallybhoy @20:10 “Ntassoola …
If it had been Mo instead of Tony through on Victor Valdes that night – what would the outcome have been?”
I’d rather live with the happy outcome we had than plant in my head plant the seed of some bad dream where Mo misses.
Have a heart.
Everything goes through Pirlo (poor man’s Mulgrew), Juve great at getting free kicks in the final third
Just dropped in to say…….
Fortunes Favour Mibbes
20:12 on 21 December, 2012
__________________________
Neil wanted – Diawwira(Sorry bout the spelling :o) – PL brought in Mo ?
Fast forward to this year…..
Neil wanted – Johnny Russell – PL brought in – Miku & Lassad ?
Do you see the pattern ?
P.S. Is there a middle-man somewhere along the line ?
Only saying my Amigo.
HH
Pirlo is an amazing player but he is no Xavi. ;))
Reasons to believe Celtic will progress to the last 8.
I’m sure there are many, especially given Juve’s dodgy history, see that stuff sticks.
Kj.
Aye the pattern is you’re not happy until yer talking crap.
KevJ,
My big nuisance pal of the ole blogosphere who I love loads :))
Whit?
Only saying my Amigo :))) Ya big choob :)))
Juve diving bassas.
The ref will be the deciding factor in our match.
Love this. Thanks ole CF!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iO3hws5ORc
the honest mistake loves being first
20:18 on
21 December, 2012
Ha. My old football team got a mention on the juventus game. Come on the gourock YAC.
If you don’t mind me asking, what age group did you play for… Played for them myself many moons ago…
One day left in Sunny Dubai, then back home to Bonnie Scotland in time for Santa.
Looking forward to watching the match tomorrow night with The Dubai Hoops.
A67
Kilbowie Kelt @20:13 on the subject of shooting I remember a song that used to be started quietly at Parkhead and built to a crescendo, the peak of which was a loud “Bang! Bang!” accompanied by two thunderous hand claps. The lyrics were “And the whole effing lot got …”
I once heard it from as far away as Cathedral St.
Did you ever sing that one?
I did. On many occasions. I was sure at the time that I meant every word of it. I’m not nearly so sure now. Do you think maybe I’m mellowing?
HAIL.
HAIL.