European victories and fine solo efforts, we take a look back on memorable Celtic games on this day…
25 September 1948, Celtic defeat Rangers 3-1 in the Scottish League Cup. Charlie Tully ran the show for Celtic with the Sunday Post reading, “Tully dribbled almost at will, the miraculous Irishman bewildered, badgered, mesmerised Rangers. Three Ibrox men were with him, and none dared to tackle. He kidded McColl, anyone who came within his orbit. He brought repose to Celtic, manic to Rangers and goals as well.”Leading up to the game, the press had speculated Leeds United were looking to bring duo Charlie Tully and Bobby Evans to Elland Road. It did not distract Tully or Celtic who came from behind to convincingly win.
26 September 1965, Celtic thrash Aberdeen 7-1. Ronnie Simpson made a rare appearance for Celtic during that season as John Fallon suffered from a knock. Celtic were watched by Go Ahead Eagles manager Co Van Es who was preparing for his side to come to Celtic Park in two weeks in the European Cup Winners Cup. Lennox grabbed a double, so too did Jinky with Hughes, Auld and McBride adding to the scoreline.
34 years ago today, Celtic reach the League Cup final by beating Dundee United 2-0. Billy McNeil was victorious over Jim McLean at a packed out Hampden Park. Gerry Creaney and Paul McStay scored the all important two goals to seal a place in the final.
23 years ago today, Celtic beat Portuguese side Porto 1-0 in the Champions League. Martin O’Neill was handed a touchline ban from UEFA and as a result had to sit in the stand for the match. Who else but Henrik Larsson to ensure Celtic’s three points in the group stage. It was Larsson’s 15th goal in European competition for the Hoops.
26 September 2006, Celtic 1-0 Copenhagen. Prior to the Champions Legue group stage match, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was ruled out with an ankle injury. That meant Kenny Milller stepped up, smashing a penalty past his former Rangers teammate Jesper Christiansen in the Copenhagen net. The Hoops held on after what was a nervy night.
15 years ago today, Celtic beat St Mirren 2-0 in Paisley. The game will forever be remembered for Paddy McCourt’s finest ever solo goal in his career, collecting the ball from the half-way line, manoeuvring past six St Mirren players before drilling the ball past Paul Gallagher. Overshadowed by McCourt’s mazy, Maloney scored a curler into the top right hand corner.
Conor Spence