Where do we start discussing last night? Perhaps the end of the night. There was joy in abundance, not only inside Celtic Park, but in the streets surrounding the game and in a hundred thousand homes across the world. This joy manifest itself into a great sense of community. That performance brought tears, hugs, spontaneous jumping up and down, and not only from Celtic fans. Messages have poured in from fans of other SPL clubs and beyond.
This is what great sport can do for people.
Brother Walfrid has excellent timing. He managed to arrange our kick-off meeting to coincide with match day four of the Champions League group stage. Those of us who attended the anniversary celebrations on Tuesday were reminded what Celtic is all about, the best team in the world were in Glasgow waiting to play, the fairy tale script was written, but could it be delivered?
It’s the details which are most impressive. Mikael Lustig looked like he could play in any team in any league. He was comfortable and composed throughout. Adam Matthews, deputising for an injured former Player of the Year, played out of position flawlessly. I watched him struggle at left back on his Celtic Park debut in a friendly against Wolves last year; it defies explanation how far he has progressed.
Please forget about Victor’s goal, it will only detract from his incredible midfield performance. His composure, skill and assertiveness troubled Iniesta and Messi all game. This was all the more impressive given the absence of captain, Scott Brown.
Georgios Samaras was crucial for most of the evening. He was the one player Barca seemed afraid of, although a lack of training caught up with him before he was subbed.
I’ll not burden Tony Watt publicly with the comparison I made of him earlier in the season but he possesses an impressive array of attributes: upper body strength, pace-with-the-ball and a nose for goal. I’m tempted to say he will continue to improve but, to what level? Without injuries to Hooper, Lassad and Forrest it’s unlikely he would have enjoyed as much time last night. Sometimes Fortune Favours the Celtic.
All of Europe would have been impressed with Fraser Forster last night, dubbed La Grand Muralla, the Big Wall, by a Spanish newspaper. He will play for England, so too with Kelvin Wilson if he maintains this season’s form.
The only man with a problem today is Neil Lennon. Tactically the two games against Barcelona have been as accomplished as any I have witnessed. Neil needs to know how to follow that in Lisbon. I’ve no idea.
Happy Birthday Celtic!
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What a goal from Anita there!!
Timbhoy 2. What so you suggest re front stand view. Any big ideas. Or are you just wanting to have a moan. If you don’t want to sit there don’t. Half wit.
bsr
Fat balloon? He’s let his mother down his father down and all his family down. lol
Macan. Malaga then Porto. Then a semi with arsenal. Then who cares for the final.
Awe naw.
Ye forgot Airdrie,then again was it not a billionaire hun that shut them down.
What goes around comes around.hail hail
Peter Lawwell congratulates team and support on collective effort
By: Newsroom Staff on 08 Nov, 2012
CELTIC Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has praised Neil Lennon and the players for producing a magnificent 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. And the Chief Executive also praised the support for their magnficent backing of the team throughout what was a special night at Paradise.
“Last night was once again a tremendous Champions League occasion and one which has resonated around the world,” he said.”We always say there is no place like Celtic Park and last night proved that beyond any doubt.
“It was quite simply a unique occasion for the world to witness. It was an example of all that Celtic stands for – our passion, our togetherness and our spirit.
“I would like to congratulate Neil , his staff and all of our players for their magnificent win. They showed tremendous skill, bravery and resilience to overcome the greatest team in the world.
“Neil and the boys have risen to the Champions League challenge brilliantly and have once again provided us with an evening that will be remembered for a long time.
“And, of course, I would like to congratulate and thank our supporters. Like our players, each and every supporter gave their all last night. Before, during and after the match, the support for the team was absolutely incredible.
“During the latter stages of the match it was our supporters who once again drove the team on to victory. It was clear to see and clear to hear, when our team was up against it, our fans once again rose and carried the team forward.”
“On behalf of the club I sincerely thank all of our supporters for making last night such a fantastic occasion and we hope there are many more like it.”
2 all with Newcastle now.
jude
Ha – Stick a pin in him (⊙_⊙)
Celtiuc have proove dthey are the equal to Barcelona over tow games, 3-3 aggregate there, can now beat any team over two games.
Final on 25th May, only one team has ever gotten the better of Barcelona at Wembley and beat them to a cup…
WembleyCupCSC
Jaba – prick – plafffttt!!
Ulryc
I am still emotional reading and watching all the news about last nights wonderful, wonderful Celtic victory.
Am I going through the change?
I’m 32.
No one blows like Sandy
Half time in Stockholm (AIK 1 – PSV Eindhoven 0). Absolute cracker from Mo Bangura!
Funny how suddenly we find in MSM that the Celtic manager has a christian name?
Of course he’ll be going to the EPL next.
I just wish one of these pundits would say that “hell mend those clubs that aren’t run on a proper financial footing” instead of mealy mouthing
I love Peter Lawell
Pleased for Mo Bangura!
I wish him well!
It might have been a nice touch for Peter Lawwell to mention the hard work of the green brigade – just a thought
Super Mo Bangura… still a Celtic Player…
notthebus
I love him more than you!!!
position did Lawell play last night?
Philbhoy
Well i am Peter Lawwell, so i doubt it
My view was blocked by all these people holding up plastic squares. And I couldn’t see the pitch for folk holding up scarves during “walk on”
notthebus
That figures :>)))
My wife knows absolutely nothing about football and cares less. On a number of occasions she has travelled over to Scotland with me if I was going to a match but would prefer hanging around Argyle Street whilst I head out to Parkhead. She even went to Barcelona with me the night that David Marshall & John Kennedy starred in nil all draw but still had no interest in going to game. About an hour ago I heard her chatting on the phone and what was she talking about, the match last night. She was going on about how great the keeper was & telling her friend he was 6ft 7 etc and bemoaning the fact that Messi got a late goal. Now I know all that means absolutely nothing to anyone else but I am absolutely astounded.
notthebus….
…..perhaps we could meet?
Naw. only kiddin’!!
Bit of hilarity on talkSPORT last night (on way home from game) about Rod the Mod having a greet at full-time.
Continued this morning with Ronnie Iranni and Ray Stubbs asking various pundits/ players that they were talking to.
Question to each of them: was there a football game/ result where you cried?
The great Henrik was on giving his analysis of the Celtic/ Barca game and was asked the same question.
His answer: no I never cried after a match/ result – but I did cry when I left Celtic!
Was nearly greetin’ myself when I heard his answer.
H!H!
Where’s the Wembley Cup money gone?
Paul67 et al
Eight games in Europe, six wins, one draw and one defeat, two to play before Christmas and, I believe one good result away from the knockout stage of the Champions League. And it really is too early to know just how good this team might be later in the season. News coverage, Sky Sports, Radio 5, Radio Scotland, press coverage..it all adds up.
If the locos dont make it, bring on the lichties!
Mark Hateley said that knowing Sandy is William Pullar is like 2new signings
Timbhoy2 ..what’s wrong with your seat can’t you get a good enough view if the Copland road stand ?.dimwit
asonofdan
18:30 on
8 November, 2012
Certainly seems straighforward …… But the media don’t like getting the facts right ….LOL
Channel 4 news suggesting masonic conspiracy into child abuse in north wales
Paul ..timbhoy2 just might have a point ..it was very loud last night too !
southside
19:02 on 8 November, 2012
My view was blocked by all these people holding up plastic squares. And I couldn’t see the pitch for folk holding up scarves during “walk on”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have to confess to moving it a wee bit to the side and seeking a view….LOL
Gene’s a Bhoys name,
are cracks appearing
ITV4- WGS to Fabrice Muamba “the last time I seen you,you were dead..”
lionroars67
The excellent alanmac highlights from last night by uefa copyright :)))
Im Gutted