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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just caught up with todays piece by Martin Hardy in the Independent.
As well as highlighting some of the reasons which differentiates CFC from most other football clubs, a few points strike me :
the honesty and complete independence of the reporting (on a level just not seen in Scotland)
the honesty and integrity of NFL (was never in doubt)
No idea if Martin Hardy is a Celtic supporter (suspect is one one now though) absolutely loved the line ….
“From a small seed came something huge. Celtic Football Club 2, Barcelona 1. Celtic Park rocked. European football felt the tremor.”
Owen
I ordered 2 CQN mags and only 1 has come this morning, I think the postie kept one ;)
Stuck in Dublin Airport waiting to check into hotel for overnight stay before flying to Scotland tomorrow morning.
Just witnessed the most amazing sight – an eejit wearing a hun shell-suit (5 stars as well!!!), boarding a coach for Belfast!!
Truly hunbelievable!
I was so speechless that I was unable to hurl abuse at him!
HH!!
Morning CQN
Recovering from a flu type thing and today consists of heading off to CP followed by the Joe Strummer tribute night at King Tuts tonght.
Fab.
Not even a hand crushing Buon Natale Christmas Tallybhoy?
Gaudete, gaudete
Christus est natus
Ex Maria Virgine
Gaudete
Here We Go Again.
The Legend Johnny Doyle
Mine is still sitting on hall table in its wrapper, I am studiously ignoring it and then taking furtive little peeks at it when I think it’s not looking :-), Christmas can now officially begin. (Big Beaming Smiley)
bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers
Me and Burghbhoy will get slaughtered and sing songs of freedom for you today brother.
Oh grace, just hold me in your arms,….
tallybhoy- saw a similar thing- Exclub fans at Dublin Airport en route from Florence to Prestwick after they reached UEFA final.
Their triumphalism, drunkeness and all round boorish behaviour was a credit to Alex Salmond’s vision of our nation.
Their flight back to Prestwick was very uncomfortable as the pilot didn’t turn off the fasten seat belt sign, their bladders were like basketballs :-)
Could we have a big, communal read of the CQN annual at an appointed time?
Say, 01:30hrs? After Midnight Mass? No vainglorious reading of the index or scanning the pages looking for mentions of yourself.
apologies if posted already
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/exclusive-interview-neil-lennon-on-how-celtic-beat-barcelona-8429616.html
Don’t understand why all our fine upstanding Scottish journalists would want to see this new SFL3 club cheat it’s way to the SPL ……..their fans are of the same culture as those of that club which was recently liquidated …… why would the want that ‘bile’ back in the top flight …… Oh, wait a minute……sorry……forgot……
Off to get ready for the game …..
HH
ntassoolla 11.34
“….you had me at, looking for mentions of yourself”
(2 mentions btw..”chuffed”)
HH
That awkward moment when you can’t get the 59p price sticker off the wife’s birthday card….
I’ve just taken delivery of 6 bottles of very nice Port courtesy of my big bluenose pal.
Am I allowed a sample swig every time one of you sneak a peek at a page?
ArranmoreBhoyLXV11 @11:39 HH, ntassoolla
“….you had me at, looking for mentions of yourself”
(2 mentions btw..”chuffed”)
HH”
Could you clarify?
Chuffed at two mentions of your good self or grumpy old me?
I didn’t know anyone cared. Sniffle, sniffle.
Where’s that Port?
How am I supposed to get through Christmas with 6 bottles of that egging me on?
Ole Chuckle Features has nowt on the master of creditor shafting Ken Bates.
Not only is he about to pocket £32m for selling his 73% stake in Leeds he ain’t gonna be paying no stinking taxes on his loot.
As he is a resident of Monaco and owned Leeds via a company, Outro Limited, that is registered in the tax haven of Nevis he is exempt from paying capital gains tax.
And the buyers don’t even get the stadium or the training ground.
C’mon Charlie, he’s making you look like an amateur!
Today’s League Two game between Morecambe and Dagenham & Redbridge has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch
My very good friend has just offered to help out if I can wait till she gets back from the shops. That could be anything from 2 hours to 2 days.
Hmmm this is the only time I’ve looked at the weather and had 2nd thoughts about attending. So much to do. On the other hand, it’s Celtic, it’s Paradise. *gets waterproofed*
Bada bing- Pushing the boat out this year, I see?
Soaking wet here in North Ayrshire. Is the game in doubt?
ntassoolla 11.43
Vanity begins at home.. P147,161
But you can drink port when you see my name.. We are one big family . Spartacus like..
HH
parkheadcumsalford
11:50 on
22 December, 2012
Soaking wet here in North Ayrshire. Is the game in doubt?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
No, we’ll win……..
Hope everyone has received their CQN ANNUAL in the post. hopefully any outstanding ones will arrive on Monday.
If you want to pick up a copy today and are going to the game – pop into TIMLAND opposite the Barrowlands.
Parkheadcumsalford
11:50 on
22 December, 2012
You almost sound hopeful (as I secretly am).
Just read NL’s article in the independent. Pretty dissapointing. The press in Scotland are sharp?
Really? Is that why they let Sevco away with murder etc etc?
Guff
goldstar10-Thanks mate,it is her 40th after all.
imallheartcsc
There’s nothing sadder than a man standing in the rain with two full polybags outside Farmfoods. – The lady that just muttered as she just walked past me, outside Farmfoods
Thank you Arranmore.
My big Rangers pal was considering buying some shares but thought six bottles of Port down my neck a better investment. He’ll go far that man.
Christmas begins now. The days are lengthening. Always cheers me up that little thought.
Godspeed to all you who are travelling.
Have a great Christmas everyone.
Ntasssoolla is a phonetic rendering of the diminutive of Anastasia in Greece. She was a beauty.
bada bing- Ah, that explains it, make it a special one! :-)
My awkward moment is writing the message and do I- a) tippex the error or b) go and buy a new card?
NegAnon2 if you ever meet Neil Lennon be sure to tell him about the internationally famous “Ntassoolla School of Public Relations.” I’ll do him a discount on my special course for UFB’s.
Top scorers in the SPL…..
A Celtic player doesn’t appear until the 14th position.
But Gary Hooper, Victor and Tony Watt all have 5.
1 Leigh Griffiths Hibernian 13
2 Billy McKay Inverness Caledonian Thistle 12
3 Michael Higdon Motherwell 11
4 Jon Daly Dundee United 8
4 Niall McGinn Aberdeen 8
4 Cillian Sheridan Kilmarnock 8
4 Steven Thompson St Mirren 8
8 Eoin Doyle Hibernian 7
8 Richie Foran Inverness Caledonian Thistle 7
8 Jamie Murphy Motherwell 7
11 Johnny Russell Dundee United 6
11 Andrew Shinnie Inverness Caledonian Thistle6
13 Murray Davidson St Johnstone 5
13 Gary Hooper Celtic 5
13 Victor Wanyama Celtic 5
13 Tony Watt Celtic 5
Neganon2
Ceasar was an honourable man ……
Good afternoon from a wet North Staffs
Port Vale v Wimbledon Off – had booked Christmas Lunch there before the game – have to go looking in the fridge see if i can find something – where’s Greggs when you need them
Disappointed to be missing today’s game today (my seat will be occupied by my son’s new gal) but heading off to darkest Ayrshire for a we Christmas party night with Mrs Baldie and others. Expecting a comfortable win today.
Hope there’s a good light show in the ground ;-)
2-1 for the Hoops today. Need to put petrol in the car then off to Wester Hailes to pick up the rest of the bhoys
Got a tip just now for Tothemoonandback 12.55 Ascot (each way price)