Celtic on this Day – Notable home wins for Celtic against Celta Vigo, Shakhtar Donetsk and Aberdeen and an away victory at Tynecastle…
28 November 2002
Celtic 1-0 Celta Vigo. Henrik Larsson’s winner was the Swede’s remarkable 25th goal across all competitions since the beginning of the trophyless but iconic 2002/2003 season. The build-up had been nervy as Celtic had an appalling record against Spanish opposition in European ties – winless in their last seven versus sides residing in La Liga.
The game can be best remembered for French referee Claude Columbo’s bizarre officiating style which angered both the Celtic support and Martin O’Neill. O’Neill who was incensed with Columbo’s display was ordered to the stands in the second half for his continuous complaining.
The Hoops travelled to Vigo for the second leg a fortnight later with a narrow lead. Celtic’s win against the Spaniards at Paradise is looked upon as a crucial victory on the way to Seville.
28 November 2007
Celtic 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk. Just like all the other 2007/2008 Champions League group stages that came before this clash, this match had been a rollercoaster. Brandao, who had netted twice for the Ukrainians against the Hoops in September, scored once again, after just three minutes following a John Kennedy error. Rallying, Jiri Jarosik’s equaliser right before half-time shifted momentum with the atmosphere going up a few notches. The Czech midfielder was excellent that night.
Of course, famously, Massimo Donati’s injury time winner proved to be the pivotal goal in sending Gordon Strachan’s side for the knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition. Despite Celtic losing to AC Milan at the San Siro 1-0 on matchday six, Benfica’s win in Ukraine officially set up a two-legged affair with Barcelona in late February 2008.
28 November 2012
Hearts 0-4 Celtic. Neil Lennon had been on the receiving end of huge criticism from supporters despite beating the best club side in the world three weeks prior. The Hoops had only won one Scottish Premier League game in five heading to Tynecastle.
However, they played with a much higher tempo in what was significantly Lennon’s 100th victory as Celtic manager. The Scottish champions were three up inside 30 minutes courtesy of Lassad, Mikael Lustig and a Ryan Stevenson own-goal.
Gary Hopper made it four, and Fraser Forster even had time for an obligatory penalty save late on in the match. Off the field, Hearts had their own issues to worry about. The day after Celtic’s thumping of the Jambos in the capital, Hearts’ £1.75 million tax tribunal between themselves and HMRC resumed…
28 November 2021
Three years ago today, Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen. Ange Postecoglou’s side remained four points behind theRangers, but momentum was beginning to turn given the Hoops had negotiated tough away games in the league at Pittodrie, Easter Road and Fir Park having appallingly went eight months without winning on the road domestically. Pre-match, there was a commemoration and minutes applause for the late great Bertie Auld who had sadly passed away on 14 November 2021.
Aberdeen’s Scott Brown was making his return to Celtic Park for the first time since leaving Glasgow’s East End in the summer. Broony was given a rapturous response by the Hoops support as he made his way off the pitch with a hamstring injury. Prevalent during this period was the protest of the proposed appointment of Bernard Higgins. The Green Brigade planned a post-match demonstration.
The encounter against the Dons paved the way for a rare start for James McCarthy [I know, I don’t know where he is now either]. Jota and McGregor were the scorers in what was an important three points for Celtic during a congested period.
Conor Spence