Ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with S.S. Lazio, Celtic fans will be full of anticipation before the glamour tie. When the group was drawn, this was the fixture that stood out for the fans, due to the big names that will be coming to Celtic Park; however, Celtic sit top of the table and this game could very well determine whether Neil Lennon’s side will be playing football after Christmas.
Celtic had two positive results in their last two games – a 1-1 away draw to Rennes and then a 2-0 home win versus Cluj. Although, before tonight, many figures in both the Celtic media and on social media have hoped for another magical European Night, where Europe’s top teams have buckled under the atmosphere and intensity of Celtic Park ; however this rich European tradition started in 1962, with a match versus Valencia.
24th October 1962, Celtic 2:2 Valencia.
The first European game at Celtic Park. pic.twitter.com/hyvOm2pBQ0
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe85) October 23, 2019
Two second-half Valencia goals from Gulliot and Waldo cancelled out the Celtic two goals – an own goal by Verdu and a late Crerand equaliser.
45,000 supporters arrived at Celtic Park to witness the tie and despite the aggregate score, they weren’t disappointed. This was Celtic’s first European home game in the Fairs Cities Cup. Despite the draw against the Spaniards, Valencia progressed 6-4 on aggregate.
This was the beginning of a rich European pedigree that would see Celtic crowned European Champions in 1967 and conquering all in their wake under Jock Stein.
Hopefully Celtic can channel the European success of old tomorrow night versus Italian opposition.
