Succulent Champions League draws

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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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876 Comments

  1. zimmerman and petec,

     

     

    Glad you bhoys liked it :o))

     

     

    The hairs were standing up on the back of my neck when I saw it.

     

     

    And…there’s going to be at least another one of those nights coming to CP soon.

     

     

    Hail Hail

  2. anditsthepoleagain on

    Petec and Dublinbhoy

     

     

    Rod wept that night and he has followed a good few ups and downs along with us

     

     

    The echo of that night went right round the world and hasn’t stopped yet, our historical ex rivals reputations never ever reached hights like these .

     

    And because of their demise they never will enjoy the afterglow

     

     

    Thanks for the clip its a beauty

  3. Friday Frank

     

     

    Was a bit torn between that version or his solo! Honest! Decided an anniversary deserved the solo.

     

    HH

  4. anditsthepoleagain on

    The exiled tim

     

     

    She reminds me of Amy Mc Donald for some reason is there a cultural/musical type link between the nations !

  5. Mrs.Zim still talks about Gilmour appearing on top of the wall,

     

    like a god,she says,

     

    hadta take a towel to her seat.

  6. anditsthepoleagain

     

     

    I love that video…I love that it was made by a Barca fan and, even in defeat, appreciated what Celtic and her incredible fans bring to the world of sport.

     

     

    As you said, the world stopped and watched in awe not only at how NFL and his Bhoys performed but at the sheer beauty of this club we are privileged to support.

     

     

    Hail Hail

  7. anditsthepoleagain on

    This was cracking dark wee tune although the clips not great,

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EZkEEj7XgA

     

     

    also played on the most famous guitars ever he previously owned it and sold it on, this is a replica. its history is interesting I think Clapton among others owned it in his cream days it was called the Fool I think a Gibson SG

  8. anditsthepoleagain

     

     

    Saw Rungren supporting Zep at Knebworth,was good shit,

     

    he came on just after Chas and Dave if i recall,

     

    Rabbit rabbit yap yap,yap yap,rabbit rabbit.

  9. thecarfintim

     

     

    All it is, is the Truth. Brilliant video.

     

    ———————————————–

     

     

    Dublinbhoy

     

     

    I could not agree more. It is high quality footage that really takes you into a Big European night at Celtic Park. I think I will be watching that video a good few times over the years. ;)

     

     

    Celtic should consider making a video of the upcoming Juve game where they concentrate on the “atmosphere” if it is allowed. I think the hairs all over are just starting to settle back down. :))

  10. Rascar Capac

     

     

    Jaysus man, I was just after mellowing out to Pink Floyd (thanks FFM) and you put that link up :))

     

     

    Hail Hail

  11. Showing my age: saw Floyd in ’74 @ Earl’s Court on The Dark Side of The Moon tour….

     

    …best gig I’ve ever seen, anywhere, anytime. Even though I was completely off my nut I still remember the entire set list with absolute clarity. And no hordes of extra musicians. Just them and their extraordinary talents, the appropriate female backing singers, and the saxophonist when applicable.

     

    The benchmark for every subsequent gig.