Celtic were overflowing with fine performances last night but mostly this was a tactical victory. Ajax dominated possession against Milan and enjoyed lots at the Camp Nou, so Neil Lennon knew what to expect.
Despite playing at home against our lowest-ranked opponent, we never chased the game, allowed Ajax time on the ball, and waited for the opportunity. We had the intelligence across the field to outsmart Ajax, with agility (Forrest), combativeness (Mulgrew, Kayal) and experience in the box (Stokes) to get the job done. We also have perhaps the best keeper in the competition. Shhh.
At some point before the return game in Amsterdam, The Bore may consider that his team deserved to lose, just as Nir Biton deserved his red card. Lunging into tackles inside the box is a recipe for defeat. Take the ball or you take your opponents leg. The noises from Ajax after the game suggested some bewilderment at the defeat; a well-worn track for teams to leave Celtic Park after Champions League games.
I hope de Boer carries that sense of entitlement into the next game, if he does, he’ll have learned nothing and his team will lose again.
Celtic’s area for remedial action is also clear. Over three Champions League games they have not conceded in the first 75 minutes but conceded four times after that point. This is not a complaint, it’s hard to maintain the levels of concentration, not to mention the physical effort, late in a game, but the stats suggest that, at this level, we wilt before our opponents.
The Dutch are known as progressive and tolerant people but the behaviour of Ajax fans (I hear from the moment they arrived at Schiphol Airport) was deplorable, without question the most violent European fans in all my time watching Celtic.
Football hooliganism is nothing like it was in the 70s and 80s but it is on the rise across Europe. Remain ever-vigilant.
On a more prosaic fan issue…. We were not at a pantomime last night. The moment between Nir Biton lunging forward with his studs up and the referee producing a red card was filled by a “Oooh” from many in the home support.
As soon as I heard this I knew the card would be red. Biton may have gone without the sound effects, but we don’t need to authorise the ref to make a big decision.
All this and the Big Glasgow Derby coming up!!
Between now and Sunday you are going to hear lots about the collection on behalf of the Greater Maryhill Foodbank, taking place before the Thistle-Celtic game on Saturday. What a great cause to be a part of.
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God bless the
Commissioners for her majesty’s revenue and customs
Timabhouy
…the sneezers?
ah
the squeezers!
I used to work for them 26 years ago. Probably changed a wee bit since then, god bless ’em
James Caan in the Godfather said it to Al Pacino “you got to get right up close and Bada Bing blood and brains all over your nice Ivy League jacket” or something like that
Pro-life Rosary tonight George Sq 6.30pm.
Torchlit procession to Cathedral 7pm. Mass
in Cathedral 7.30pm. To mark anniv of
Abortion Act
I loved you Fredo
I knew it was you Fredo
Does Fredo still post on here?
I love Freddos
Oops sorry.
Freddo.
I meant Freddo.
Cadizzy
The sneezers was that not the name of the pub across from the tax office !
Smiley thingy !
You stay away from my Freddo Cadizzy or bada bing – you’re going fishing with Rocco.
I mean it.
U
“Chocolate is more fun when it’s frog-shaped”
Michael Corleone
Adam Virgo @Adamvirgs19
I have officially announced my retirement
from professional football to my team mates
thank you to the fans who supported me
thank you all x
Timabhouy
since I worked for IR in Foreign, all pubs I ever went into were called The King’s Head…or the Lion’s Head
….. but never the Lying King’s Head
My daughter had a baby girl this morning.
She herself was born in Sept 82, the same week Celtic beat Ajax 2-1 in Amsterdam.
Happy coincidence but I should have backed the 2-1 this time.
Anyway a great week.
hh
Theoriginalsadiesboy ,,,,,I know what he was talking about,negatives,that plus his comments to watty myth during the scotland game last week, a stoater who is in so much pain!
Marrakesh Express
Congratulations you & yours
Welcome to the celtic family Ms Marrakesh Express
Morrissey 23rd, I just watched your “Hitler resolution 12” vid.
Simply outstanding my friend:_)
Had me in knots.
Uncle Marrakesh Express, a great week all round for you and your family, should have placed the bet though.
HH
Lennybhoy, if you read this can you mail me at acgr@hotmail.co.uk please.
Fanx
Marrakesh express
Congratulations
Cheers lads.
acgr…thats granda marrakesh mate ;-)
Hh
I see I got a non speaking part in Morrissey23’s video, do i get royalties? Never been a member of Equity though
Marrakesh express, many congratulations to you and your family
Don’t we know the drinks are on the Marakesh Express
CSN CSC
Morrissey23rd apologies
congrats Andrew…Patrick’s missus is due tomorrow week..
Acgr
Text to lennybhoy.
Cadizzy
Aye mate, the Brazen Sunday.
Thats great Masty. I’ll deal you and your gang in on Sunday and you can do it when its your turn, just as long as you and your co host td67 steer clear of the mic.
;-)
hh
I knew it was you Freddo!
acgr supporting big nan’s reveal the masonic judge petition
You have mail.
BT:
Cheers
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Europa League on ITV 4
ulysses mcghee is praying for Oscar
18:02 on 24 October, 2013
I knew it was you Freddo!
i know it was you FREDDO.
Johnny clash
I still blame Butler for missing that extra time sitter in Seville!
Marrakesh express
Congratulations to u and your family.
Telt you it was all about destiny and karma.
2-1 82
2-1 13
Brilliant
” Freddo – you’re my older Frog, and I’d eat you to bits – but don’t ever, ever, ever take sides outwith the family again ”
Mo Green CSC
Spurs 1 up