Sadly, Celtic could count themselves unlucky in the second round draw. Clubs such as CSKA Sofia, Nentori (of Albania), HJK Helsinki, Rapid Vienna and Olympiakos all awaited in the next round, and Celtic fans would have fancied their chances against any of these. However, the draw pitched Celtic against Real Sociedad, the Champions of Spain who were based in the Basque city of San Sebastian.
Real Sociedad 2-0 Celtic, 20 October 1982, European Cup second round, first leg. Photo The Celtic Wiki
Whilst lacking the glamour of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia, the Basque side included four players who had been the backbone of Spain’s national side in the World Cup of the previous summer. They would pose a formidable obstacle.
Real Sociedad 2-0 Celtic, 20 October 1982, European Cup second round, first leg. Photo The Celtic Wiki
In the first leg in San Sebastian (watch full match here), Celtic continued the fine form displayed in the Olympic Stadium, playing in a controlled, calm and professional style. Celtic had weathered the first half storm and in the second period Real and their fans were showing signs of becoming dispirited.
Then, entering the last 15 minutes, Celtic lost concentration and conceded two goals in the space of four minutes. Both came from shots when the Celtic defence backed off, and both took a deflection past Bonner.
Celtic 2-1 Real Sociedad. European Cup, 2nd round, 2nd leg. 3 November 1982. Photo The Celtic Star
In the second leg, the tie was effectively over after 25 minutes when Real scored and went 3-0 up on aggregate. Again, the Celtic defence looked badly at fault, with the scorer unmarked and given a free header from six yards. Two goals from Murdo MacLeod gave Celtic a 2-1 win on the night but it was no consolation for elimination.
After the euphoria of Amsterdam, it was a disappointing way to exit the competition. However, Real Sociedad were a very decent side, especially defensively, and they would go on to reach the semi final where they would be defeated 2-3 on aggregate by the eventual winners, Hamburg.
Basque flag flying over the Jungle. Celtic 2-1 Real Sociedad. European Cup, 2nd round, 2nd leg. 3 November 1982. Photo The Celtic Star
For Celtic fans, there was genuine hope that their club could again become a serious force at the highest level of European competition. The team had proven that it could score goals against the very best, but defensive lapses had been costly. If this side could be bolstered by a couple of quality additions, and improve upon its defensive frailties, it had the potential to go all the way.
In the event, the squad wasn’t strengthened and instead, in the summer of 1983, Celtic FC would be struck by a truly seismic event…
James McDevitt
CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES by DAVID POTTER – OUT NOW!
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Was in Amsterdam for the game
16 years old traveled alone on the parkhead emerald and being from pollok never knew anyone on the bus but they bhoys were brilliant to me and as I got older and joined the sons of donegal bus and made it onto the committee i always made sure visitors were made to feel welcome. HH