Today, a selection of Celtic legends made their return to Paradise as the Celtic support were entertained by six goals in the Celtic Legends vs Dortmund Legends charity match. Even better, Celtic ran out 4-2 victors!

Brendan Rodgers and James Forrest took to the pitch to great acclaim before kick-off as they placed the league trophy and the Scottish Cup on pedestals. The legends were soon to follow as both sides received fantastic applause from those in attendance.

And it didn’t take long for the scoring to kick off. Georgios Samaras was the first to score as he got on the end of Mikael Lustig’s cross. The Celtic great put it in the back of the net to the delight of the good crowd that came out in support of the Celtic FC Foundation.

Celtic FC Legends v Borussia Dortmund Legends – Former Celtic and Dortmund player Murdo MacLeod with Scott Brown during the charity match at Celtic Park on Sunday May 26, 2024. Photo Robert Perry

Gary Hooper doubled Celtic’s lead with 20 minutes on the clock as he had no hesitation shooting for goal from 20 yards out and Hooper was as deadly as always. His impressive strike ended up in the bottom corner of the net, just like old times.

David Odonkor pulled one back for Dortmund with a beautiful attempt from far out. Not even the Holy Goalie could get to it!

Celtic made a substitution as Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink took to the pitch. It didn’t take long for him and goalscorer Hooper to link up as he set off the forward, who thundered it into the top corner.

Paul Lambert with Mikael Lustig, photo Robert Perry

The second half got underway and Artur Boruc made way for Michael McGovern. Kevin Großkreutz could’ve pulled another back for Dortmund after he rounded the goalkeeper, but it wasn’t to be as he could only hit the side netting.

They eventually did make it 3-2 but the equaliser wasn’t to be as Charlie Mulgrew got his name on the scoresheet to restore the Hoops’ two goal advantage and give the Celtic support a final treat.

Celtic legend Scott Brown spoke to the media, including The Celtic Star, after the game. He said: “It was good meeting all the lads again, actually seeing them have a bit of craic in the changing room then going out and playing walking football! It was exceptional.

“It’s the new sport for the older generation. It was brilliant with the fans. Especially after yesterday, a lot of sore heads after yesterday, but they still came in their thousands.”

Paul Lambert also reflected on the fantastic occasion after managing Celtic before switching sides to play for Dortmund. He said: “It’s a special place. You have over 30,000 people come out. Some teams in the Premier League don’t even get that in a competitive one. People are turning up to watch lads who played years and years ago so it was great, really nice.”

Jessica Elliott