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.
Have you ordered your CQN Annual yet? Get it here!
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FFM
It’s what I do….worst!!!
bjmac
21:28 on
21 December, 2012
Whit an opening gambit……….
Hamiltontim.
I’ll try and get there as early as possible,I’m meeting Tooting Tim around midday in George Square,then taking him on a pub crawl to BBs via Baccus,Citation,I’m going to introduce him to the BB Clique,if there’s any there.
Juve score.
Cagliari.csc is getting binned it just isn’t the same.
KevJ,
You take care buddy and it is excellent to hear you comment positively tonight. Long may it continue both in your Celtic supporting life and in your own personal life.
Juve score again.
Evening CQN,
the Ewan Murray interview with NFL in the grauniad is a splendid read on many levels. Props to Sir Furious. Neil deals with the sevco question and the security question with panache.
He’s a gem.
Looking forward to the game tomorrow, meeting Oldtim at high noon – could get messi (sic:))
HH
HT,
Self depreaction does not work, in this Dojo, does it ???!”?
Mumble mumble :)))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5-wkcTyFNs
Juve never really needed the 6 minutes of injury time.
:D
FT St. Mirren 2 – 1 Motherwell
Nae luck mullet
Oldtim67
Keep your phone close at hand. I’ll be leaving my car at my mate’s in the Calton so I may meet up with you on your tour of duty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ad1ECnmZo8
I’ll have an L please Bob.
BJmac
You’ve no’ got mail.
bjmac.
I suppose it’s habit from me,it’s not everyone that’s glued to the e-mails on the computer,I’d prefer an answer back that day if possible, so I alert them as soon as sent.
Just looking at Stat for St Mirren v Motherwell on BBC site.
Poss 50%-50%
Shots 17-18
Corners 8-14
Fouls 3-4
Motherwell still 4 points behind in 2nd place.
Fortuné’s Favour Mibbes
Really glad you liked the Mocedades songs. Very important for the Spain that moved from Franco to democracy.
The song that makes me cry is Pange Lingua, an ancient hymn the that they rearranged for a Eucharistic Congress. It was a huge hit. Wouldn’t happen today. More’s the pity.
Hamiltontim
21:41 on
21 December, 2012
Oldtim67
Keep your phone close at hand. I’ll be leaving my car at my mate’s in the Calton so I may meet up with you on your tour of duty.
You guys make me jealous, wish I was within bus journey of CP and go for a pint before the game rather than run 60 miles in the car :(
ianinascoli
=Good call, Sir.
4 points clear now with 2 games in hand
I expect ICT to beat Dundee tomorrow. 3 points tomorrow for us will put us 5 clear with 2 in hand
Go to it Celtic
OldTim, I’m only having a wee bit of fun. Btw, Can EuroChamps67 take your blog name, more apt for him ;-))
HT you have a mate? Wee Mick will have sold it the time you get back, 6 pints and 20 lambert & butler should do it….
hh
bjmac
Prestonpans, we’re glad you need to drive the 60miles ;-)) – especially when I’m on my holidays in NorthBerwick ;-)))
Hope you’re well.
bjmac.
Forgot to say I am well, and cheers for asking.
Bit of a headache but I know why that is,I’m in the process of clearing up the empties.
Celtic_First,
I took the liberty of looking out the hymn. I’m glad I did, it is very moving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RH1qa4QjFM
Prestonpans
You’re more than welcome to meet up we’re going for post match scoops too ;-)
Bjmac
It’s Mick….half a crown and an apple will suffice!!
Prestonpans bhoys.
You’ll get used to it,I travel 25 miles every game,it’s what keeps me going,Nice meeting you in Lisbon,pity I didn’t know that you were a CQN poster at the time.
CF,
Wow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RH1qa4QjFM
Would you believe, I find myself with tear in the eye.
So many things I loved when young, and now being drawn back to them again after a bit of life. It amazes me.
Thanking you very much for this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9MszVE7aR4
I’ve never ever realised it but I have always been a daft punk.
HT, eff the crown….
bjmac.
I knew you were only kidding.
Rudi Vata
CF,
“Pange Lingua” really hit home.
Many many tear-filled thanks.
A great night of Slade on BBC4 right now takes me back
Just set up the Sky on demand box to my BB router…….brill …!!!
Its that time of year again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jbdgZidu8
bjmac
21:50 on
21 December, 2012
I’m well but the rest of the family are not, on anti-botics, like living in the house of the plague! Taxi to CP next time your are at N Berwick.
HT
Your putting the knife in now :)
Oldtim67
Well used to travelling now, wiz CQN undercover agent in Lisbon 0-)
Evening guys…any Green Brigaders online?
petec
Thank you for link to that beautiful hymn.
I then looked up this.
This is a traditional English translation of the “Pange Lingua.
“Pange Lingua
Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,
of His flesh the mystery sing;
of the Blood, all price exceeding,
shed by our immortal King,
destined, for the world’s redemption,
from a noble womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless Virgin
born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
then He closed in solemn order
wondrously His life of woe.
On the night of that Last Supper,
seated with His chosen band,
He the Pascal victim eating,
first fulfills the Law’s command;
then as Food to His Apostles
gives Himself with His own hand.
Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
by His word to Flesh He turns;
wine into His Blood He changes;
what though sense no change discerns?
Only be the heart in earnest,
faith her lesson quickly learns.
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o’er ancient forms departing,
newer rites of grace prevail;
faith for all defects supplying,
where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
and the Son who reigns on high,
with the Holy Ghost proceeding
forth from Each eternally,
be salvation, honor, blessing,
might and endless majesty. Amen.
Good night all
“Oscar Knox celtic warrior YNWA”
Also loving the Pange Lingua, thanks all…
It seems Wayne LaPierre is a Goldie Lookin’ Chain fan…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT2YYLkIFZ4
leftclicktic
22:05 on 21 December, 2012
I’m not the man to thank, Thank Celtic_First.
It is amazing and Thank You for the English translation.