I have to admit I thought some of the quotes to emerge on social media from the world’s greatest players about Celtic Park were perhaps apocryphal. That concern was laid to rest on Barcelona’s website today as the team boarded a flight from the rainy Catalan capital, Leonel Messi on-board, alas.
Their article, titled, “FC Barcelona players ‘just can’t get enough’ of Celtic Park”, reads like a fantasy piece typed on a green and white keyboard.
“Xavi Hernández once said: “I don’t think I have seen anything like the Celtic fans in all the stadiums I have played at. When you step out at Celtic Park, the atmosphere they create for their team is incredible. It doesn’t matter how many big games you have played in, walking out into that atmosphere is always intense.””
Messi added, “I’ve been fortunate to play in some great stadiums in Europe with Barcelona but none compare to Celtic” he said after the game in 2013. The Argentinian has also been quoted as admitting that “I have a Celtic jersey at home. The games against Celtic were special and I want to remember them.”
Playmaker Iniesta said, “They were amazing, not quiet for a single second! The Celtic fans are very special and the club and players can be very proud of them. They are the best I have ever heard.” While Pique wrote, “no words to describe the atmosphere at Celtic Park”.
The article concludes, “Whatever the outcome on Wednesday night, one thing is for sure. There’s going to be a show, and the Glasgow Celtic (and Barça) will be there.”
This kind of respect has been earned the hard way. The game which kicked it all off, Celtic’s 1-0 win in 2004, wasn’t a pleasant affair. Three men were red carded and Barcelona were bitter about the pitch, their treatment and the luck which fell their way, but when the sublime Ronaldinho was substituted with two minutes remaining the home support gave him a memorable reception.
We lost 1-3 to them the following year in a game which still rankles. After levelling we had them on the rack for a period, but two late moments of slackness allowed Barcelona to take the points.
When Barca returned in the Champions League knock-out rounds in 2008 we absolutely battered them for 45 minutes. Barry Robson had been a Dundee United player a few weeks earlier but scored peach of a header to give Celtic a 2-1 halftime lead. We’d peaked too soon and were caught out by our gung-ho approach.
The 2-1 win on our 125th birthday will live long in the memory. It was probably the most intense occasion Celtic Park had ever experienced. Arguably the greatest team to play the game applied suffocating pressure as they tried to overcome an 18th minute concession. I doubt any team has ever faced such a formidable foe who passed and prodded with such intensity.
Regrets also linger from our 0-1 defeat with 10 men three years ago when a rash moment from Scott Brown was exploited by the writhing Neymar. Charlie Mulgrew’s header from a corner kick came close to handing the 10 men a remarkable point.
We’re not in Barcelona’s league in any literal or metaphorical sense, but tomorrow’s another occasion to earn points the hard way.
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Aberdeen allocation has nearly sold out according to their own website, but that means there is still 1500 seats available.
if they had sensibly sold in blocks , as they were supposed to, as per the scottish leage dik tat, then one section of the north stand would now be available to celtic supporters.
the lack of commercial sense gets on my thruppenies.
at least for once kilmarnock nearly got it right on friday night, 8,000 seats sold to celts.
they could have sold another 4,000, thats how high the celtic interest is now
ps.
i got another two tickets today, from hampden, for south stand, “segregation in force, no colours sections”
so Aberdeen did not sell out the dear seats debentures either.
LMCBHOY on 22ND NOVEMBER 2016 5:30 PM
Official News
On 21 November, 2016, rangers agents put out to tender, installation of ” debris netting to sandy jardine, broomloan road and Copland road stands” work to be carried out January/ February 2017, except for 21 January to allow for possible home Scottish cup tie.
Please, tell me we have written to Ibrokes to confirm the safety of our support???
Sure all is structurally sound lol lol
HH
St stivs
I can assure you this contract is out. The tenders are being sought as I speak. IKNOW!!
HH
last post – least they forget.
ha feckinty ha, fecknty ha.
—————
GERS’ NEW £280m IBROX
RANGERS will become the first club in Britain to build a stadium boasting a retractable roof and hovering pitch.
By ANDY MCINNES
PUBLISHED: 00:00, Mon, Jan 7, 2008
7K
3
SMITH Exciting plans
SMITH: Exciting plans
The new Ibrox – which will cost £280million – will be based on Japan’s Sapporo Dome, Holland’s Amsterdam ArenA and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and is part of a £750m village development earmarked for Govan.
When complete in 2012, it will generate millions of pounds every season for the club to buy top players and be more competitive with Premiership clubs in the transfer market.
ADVERTISING
inRead invented by Teads
Supporters will virtually be able to “raise the roof” of the new project, as it will open and close depending on the weather and functions being held inside the auditorium.
The blueprint allows for football and other sports to be played around the clock and with the pitch capable of being rotated in and out of the ground itself, rock concerts and other major events can be hosted without any damage to the grass.
Giant heaters and air conditioning units will ensure spectators will be in a constant comfort zone and matches will never again be cancelled because of under-foot conditions.
Talks are at an advanced stage and funding is in place for the six-star stadium, which would become the second-biggest club ground in the UK after Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
A capacity of around 70,000 is planned – 20,000 higher than the current full house, 10,000 more than at Celtic Park and 17,000 above the limit at Hampden.
Last night an Ibrox insider revealed the project could start within 18 months with a two-year build programme anticipated.
He said: “This is a very exciting and ambitious scheme which will totally revitalise the area.
Not only will it benefit the team, and the club in general, but the whole south side of the city will be transformed.’’
2 year build programme, hahahahhaha
thats how long it will take to fix the current roofs.
This guy gets Celtic
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/baruchel-talks-new-documentary-celtic-soul-montreal-canadiens/?
Commentator on Sporting v Real game talked about new young Sporting Argentinian signing, who celebrated by buying himself a red Ferrari…………Benfica colour!
Young guy told to change it.
“Don’t think they do it in green and white hoops”, commentator opines.
They will if I win the lottery, mate!
It’s not as if it would get vandalised or anything.
My God!
They’re aw away tae sleep!
Whatever happened tae PMT??
Emdy still up?
60,000 fans in the Montreal stadium waiting for the start of the MLS semi-final. Will have to wait few more minutes, the ground crew painted the lines for the 6 yard box and 18 yard box incorrectly. Currently spraying the incorrect lines with green paint and putting down the new lines.
Never happened at Maxwell Park in Baillieston!! (the lines, not the 60,000)
Ain’t nobody here but us chickens
Mike In Toronto
I am here. Starting to get excited/ nervous/anxious/expectant…everything about the Barcelona game. No matter how hard I try to be rational about it I cannot. Here are my thoughts on the game and why rationality goes out the window!!!
https://stayinguplateblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/23/faith-hope-and-nervous-expectation/
I’m here. Rotten start in ‘La Belle Province’.
T
Toronto starting to find their rhythm a bit now. As long as they don’t concede a third, it is still doable
CORDOVABAYTIM
You an auld hoose man
HH
WWW(GBWO)
No, never had a beer in the Auld Hoose. Had friends in Coatbridge and Airdrie so we tended to frequent pubs in that area.
Are you from Bailliestion?
Eddie Gallagher of castlemilk I hope your warm and safe and well
Stephen, enjoy the game in arhus.business eh.thank you forticket
Safe journey for all going to see Celtic
Calton Tongs- earlier, well said.
BV later bout 4
Easy does it Celts,
Its all bout Scotland’s champions
:-)
HH
Oops, that should be Baillieston.
Just have to win 4-0 next Wednesday Mike.
T
CORDOVABAYTIM
Aye mate ,the auld hoose long gone,Yogi had it at one time
Baillieston has a couple of guid Tim shops
HH
Tobago
I’ll be there regardless. But a goal or two might be nice
Well, there’s the first one!
T
My brother got me a Ticket as well Mike. He’s got seasons tickets so I get invited occasionally!
T
3-2 woo hoo!
It’s only fair. I took him to see Celtic Barça in 2004!
T
Bradley! Some player!
T
Tobago …
We are in section 209. If you are close, get my email from P67, and we can say hello
Will do Mike. We’re behind the goal in the south stand.
T
After being down 3, I’ll take that. Should be a good night next week
Yes indeed!
T
The big frontman is a cult hero in the north east and once claimed to have bedded Hollywood beauty Olivia Newton John and Fleetwood Mac songstress Stevie Nicks – although not at the same time.
His colourful career after leaving Pittodrie saw Robb play for the appropriately named Rowdies (Tampa Bay), Fury (Philadelphia) and Roughnecks (Tulsa). As well as Dunfermline and Norwich.
These days the 68-year-old lives a quieter life in Banchory where he worked as a volunteer counsellor for people with addictions.
Sorry
Davie Robb
I remember the big fella Robb…Red hair and ‘tache?
Michael Bradley…anytime I have seen this guy play he has impressed me. Keeps football simple and always looking to make space to receive and make a pass. Class act.
Canny sleep…..i blame Messi, Neymar, Saurez…….etc
!!Bada Bing!! on 23rd November 2016 5:33 am
When you say their names like that it is a nightmare, no wonder you couldn’t sleep.
On the plus side it just gives you longer to enjoy the build up.
Stayinguplate- i hope our team get a better sleep….they will need it, easy to forget we have a Cup Final on Sunday HH
The team will be sleeping well, secure in the game plan Brendan has given them. I know what you mean about Sunday but the Cup Final hopefully will take care of itself. This is a game to be savoured and enjoyed, if we get anything from it that would be amazing as they are a formidable team. But maybe, just maybe….