As Inter Milan walked onto the Estadio Nacional that Thursday evening in May 1967, they were strong favourites to win their third European Cup in four seasons. They had been denied in 1966 by eventual winners, Real Madrid, in controversial circumstances. Revenge would be extracted in the 1967 semi-final, where Inter beat Real home and away.
That team, immortalised as La Grande Inter, were top of the league and expected to win their fourth Italian title in five seasons, their only loss in that period coming after a play-off.
Real Madrid dominated the European Cup for its first five seasons, but they won only two domestic titles in that period. No team had been such a formidable force at La Grande Inter. Real of the 50s were Continental celebrities, Inter were dominant on a whole new level. Not only were they feared, they were disliked for their oppressive defensive style of play, known as catenaccio.
Across Europe, no one gave Celtic a chance, but thousands in Scotland knew better. Celtic fans knew theirs was a special team. The previous two years were remarkable. Celtic won only three titles in 40 years. They were a novelty team winning little more than novelty titles.
Jock Stein arrived from Hibernian and the world changed. The league was won, then retained for the first time in 50 years, as the club won their first treble. After a long period of desolation, it seemed anything was possible for Celtic. There were no limits.
Celtic didn’t just win the European Cup, they destroyed Inter, ripping apart their imperious reputation. Catenaccio, the belief that the most effective way to play the game was to defend, was dead. Instead, pure, beautiful, football, played by a team born entirely in the Glasgow urban area, saved the game as a spectator sport.
You and I know our founding story well, but there is another founding story. Modern Celtic, the confident football club, which wins trophies and builds structures for its future, was born on 25 May 1967. Without Jock and the Lisbon Lions, nothing that we currently know about Celtic would have happened.
They inspired you and me. They also inspired Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon and Martin O’Neill. Without them, Fergus McCann would not have imagined what the right management could achieve.
Brother Walfrid put food on the table of impoverished children, but the hundreds of thousands helped by the Celtic FC Foundation in recent decades are a direct product of the Lisbon Lions. They laid foundations for a modern football club which can fulfil its mission.
I was lucky enough to meet them all. Their humility is overwhelming. Unlike imposters who have followed them since, they have time for their generations of fans. They understand the importance of representing Celtic, even now.
It wasn’t all humility, though. On the field, they were hard. This was a team who took care of themselves and each other. They were (and are still) also funny, cheeky, guys. Devilment donned the hoops. Their success will be celebrated for as long as football is played.
Your life is better for them and it will remain better until the day you die. You are a child of the Lisbon Lions. Thank God for each of them.
Real Betis congratulates @celticfc for their amazing achievement!
Hail, Hail! #inVIncibles#GreenAndWhite pic.twitter.com/2RLg3bfk6a— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) May 24, 2017
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DESSYBHOY on 25TH MAY 2017 8:48 PM
The Inter keeper had some game.Saved them for a total drubbing.
*Big Billy said later that he had been looked on as their weak link.
I’m really enjoying the Iron Man programne despite the small contribution , I hope its the only one, by an ex player from Wyndford .
Having some scran in a square in Lisbon on the way to the Pink Street party.
One of the finest fellas I’ve ever met was a CQNer,Franny. Posted as
THE BARCA MOLE.
He was interred today.
I respectfully requested a consideration on his behalf while at Fatima. Today at the EN I pulled a leaf from a bush and wished it a fond farewell as it fluttered away in the breeze.
Gone but never forgotten,Franny. Thank you for being one right good bloke.
HH and RIP
DD
Love it your there. Wish I was.
Estimated 3000 Tims in Lisbon.
Keeping the heat lit
BMCUWP
See you tomorrow night
Should I just head up to Pink Street when I arrive
Maybe you or BT could text me
Thanks
Hearing fireworks there as I’m standing oot the back garden; stella in hand, admiring my tamed fauna and weed free flower beds.
Had an idea. I’m going to go back thru the blog for the last couple of days and pick out the collective Lisboa memories from those that were there and those who dreamed of being there.
I would like to put them all together, ideally with a picture of the contributor, date of birth, favourite Lion (from those that played in the final) and once compiled, send it to all those that would like to see it.
If you haven’t already posted your memories on the blog then i’d still love to hear them. Second hand accounts are also valued as i’m sure there are many who had loved ones that are no longer with us and who were there or just had a story to tell.
What have you got to lose?
One last thing. A good picture is worth a thousand words. If you have any of the occasiion i would be privileged to share them.
Not sure how much interest there will be but i will endeavour to answer you in a timely manner.
Contact me on;
doogan67@btinternet.com
All the very best,
Art of War
night night
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
I Need Never Get Old (Live)
https://youtu.be/TZagCklvj1E
stivs
You venturing over the border to greeenock tomorrow night ?
God bless Stevie and give his family strength.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/matthew-syed-lisbon-lions-are-vivid-part-of-scottish-history-bk9hp2h25?shareToken=ec44999e76fc1c3c54e8a46cff7270ae
WHATISTHE STARS.
Text sent,bud.
HH.
AOW @ 10:27
There’s a couple here you could sprinkle into tale. Copyright provided.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2017/may/25/lisbon-lions-remembered-celtics-historic-victory-50-years-on-in-pictures
Just back from Barbecue party to celebrate youngest daughters Birthday yes a May 25th baby.
Apart from a couple of hours at Barbecue, I spent what was possibly the warmest day of the year, inside glued to my laptop just soaking up every bit of Lisbon nostalgia available.
There will be many who would say what a waste of a lovely day but the fools the fools, they simply don’t know what it’s like to be Celtic.
Just like to thank all those who contributed to blog today particularly to TheLurkingTim who had his finest hour. Have seen a few posts re Lionsroar, I am not aware of what happened but obviously he is unwell.
I pray he makes a full recovery and rejoins the blog in the full of his health.
A wonderful day today celebrating the most wonderful day of them all 50 years ago with both days done in absolute style, both of them done The Glasgow Celtic Way.
God Bless & Keep our departed brothers I’ll just mention Miki67 & El DiegoBhoy as for some reason both loom large on my mind but unfortunately there are many others if I tried mentioning them all I’d end regretfully leaving a couple out so I’ll just say Rest in Peace Bhoys.
Good Night & God Bless all Celts where ever ye are.
Get well soon Billy, Hope to hear that Lionroar again soon my friend.
50 years ago today, my Dad was bathing me, just after 7pm, I was 6 weeks old or so.
For some reason he threw me up in the air, he didn’t catch me on the way back down either!!!!!!!!
So I splashed back into the wee bath in front of the TV.
Not sure what happened on telly to get him so excited?
Maybe something going on in Lisbon, a goal or something?
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – I Need Never Get Old
https://youtu.be/-2hxU4UG3dA
GG- thanks buddy!
nspiral Carpets – This Is How It Feels
https://youtu.be/J-fX0UbpZls
God Bless Sean Fallon – LEGEND!!
A truly moving Documentary. H!H!
New CQN banner for a Hampden arriving tomorrow. Watch out for it – it’s a cracker!!!
queen & David Bowie – Under Pressure
https://youtu.be/YoDh_gHDvkk
Praecepta, . I second that about Sean.
It was very fitting that he raised the league flag at the start of the 2012/13 season with club putting on a party for his 90th birthday party later that day.
A wonderful, wonderful man.
The documentary was perfect for this momentous day.
Bhoyjoebelfast on 25th May 2017 10:03 pm
It was on the 25th of May
In far off lisbon town
The whole world said it was inter’s cup
because they were so strong
But the bhoys from paradise were there
To show that they were wrong.
FTSFA
YNWA
A mention required for Willie Haughey IMO, a fantastic benefactor of loads of things Celtic, he has personally looked after our Greatest Team.Thanks Willie, a True Celt.
Was fortunate enough to bump into Paul & Kevin at the Hydro tonight which reminded me that I shouldn’t – couldn’t – let today of all days pass without posting. Best wishes to all & Hail Hail.
BMCUW
So sorry to hear the news about Franny (THE BARCA MOLE). Gone far too soon.
I met him only a couple of times but he left a lasting impression and just as you said: one right good bloke.
He hitched a lift with me from Chester to Celtic Park when he was back from the Phillipines and staying with his brother in North Wales. He also came to watch a game at the St Werburgh’s CSC in Chester on the same trip home. I can’t remember what happened but there was a TV malfunction in the Club that day and Franny and his good lady wife ended up watching the game with me at my place. My thoughts are with those he loved and those who loved him, I’m sure they are many and will be deeply saddened by his passing.
SwanseaBhoy
As Lisbon 50 draws to a close, I must say that both the BBC and BT have done us proud.
A major spin off from those two programmes for me were, finally, after knowing me for over fifty years, my wife finally understands what Celtic means to me, even though I have tried to explain it to her since 1966.
Tonight, 50 years ago, we were in the middle of the first of four consecutive parties.
I hope Lionroars 67 is in recovery made and that everyone who made the journey returns hale and hearty, safe and sound.
Goodnight Lisboners, home and away.
* made = mode.
Coyle and Neil appear on BT Sport,when rumour is McInnes to Sunderland…vultures
Unsure whether I’m proud to be a Celtic fan tonight, or humbled.
There are so many events tonight, all round the globe.
3 things……..
We’ll done, Paul, on your 26 miles. It’s a killer
Thinking of eldiegobhoy today
Hail Cesar
The pink street was pink … but only under your feet….
Anything above that was green and white …
The pink street is green and white….
TTT- Just said same to Mrs Bing, watch the BBC Lisbon programme from last night, she might get our obsession and devotion a wee bit better.HH
Gooooood early morning CQN
Wow absolutely Wow, what a day we have had this 25th May 2017
Hail Hail
Just back in from the Lions Fundraiser at Vinneys Bar in the Raploch.
Good night, raised a load of Cash and thanks to Winning Captain for all his help.
First time I’ve watched the game all the way through. Bobby Murdoch man of the match.
LAST POST from LISBON
Lovely article P67.
And please give my email to EPbhoy (John from Oz when he contacts you).
Today a day like no other.
In the heat of Lisbon right enough.
Moments:
Firstly, I learned I can still climb an Estadio Nacional wheelie bin well enough to help put up a wonderful Jinky banner. My kids – take note. And any aspiring gymnasts – I believe the BBC cameraman found it amusing to catch… Cut that please.
From tears of sentiment broadcast from EN to the joy of jumping around Pink Street in your seventh (or was it eighth – fit old bugger ;)) ) decade with us idiots – John, safe journey back to Oz.
Mallorbhoy, J told us of your family heartache; best wishes and condolences.
BMCUW – wish I’d met you – missed posts and didn’t realise you were here; would have been nice to meet someone who’s interacted with my pish on here for years.
Joe, Scoogz etc The Spirit of 67 band – outstanding entertainment. Sat with Joe at Hennessey’s for an hour on Tuesday; as entertaining over a beer as he is with his signature mandolin.
Pink Street – you have to seek out the worldwide vids and shots of that event – countless onlookers from a bridge over the street taking and sharing their extraordinary encounter with the Celtic support in party mood.
For a few hours it was THE main tourist attraction in Lisbon. My abiding memory – a guy hanging out the back of a local passing tram that was held ip at lights vehind the band, giving yhem a full view down the party street. Guy’s got arms wide, singing along as both full carriages stood to catch the action, beaming at the infectious joy of the street party. Sweet.
And, of course, BRTH relentlessley and selflessley raising money for the right causes til the end; outstanding man.
More to come over the days as pics and vids get linked.
Right now I am informed I need to get to the airport in a few hours; we’ll see how that pans out…
Lisboa’s been nothing but a perfect slice of Celtic joy.
God bless every one of those Lions. They did more for Celtic than anyone did, could, or ever will.
Just watched the bbc documentary (been away working all week). Needless to say the tears needed lots of wiping away.
Reminds me of how special we really are.
Indeed Neganon, indeed.
In the heat of Lisbon…………….
Night to all.
Remember our History, it defines us, and Celebrate our present, it will add to that.
We are who and where we came from.
We include all and welcome them.
We are remembering real legends today, but we are making the anew.
As Jock Stein said, make new legend, lets not live in the shadow of the old ones (I paraphrase).
Our team now has made history, they are becoming legends, modern legends.
It is cold in our shadow.
Anyone know why it took 50 years for STV to show that footage?
Naw me neither.
Just in from a cracking Celtic night at the Market Inn, Ayr. Full game in the original black and white in the Odeon Ayr. 350 Celtic fans in top form . Then dtinks and songs in the pub. Brilliant. Nog thanks to the organisers and the staff at the Market Inn. Music was the business too. HH