One of Celtic’s most remarkable ever victories occurred On This Day in 1989 in an incredible nine-goal thriller at Celtic Park…

Celtic v Partizan Belgrade – Dziekanowski scores Celtic’s fifth goal

27 September 1989, Celtic and Partizan Belgrade played out one of the most dramatic games ever played at Celtic Park. Celtic won the game 5-4 on the night but remarkably went out on away goals with the aggregate score ending up 6-6. Polish forward Darius Dziekanowski netted four times in the match, but it was not enough for the Hoops to qualify on the night.

Our Serbian opponents lost in the European Cup Winners Cup Quarter Final to Dinamo Bucharest. Partizan Belgrade had two links to Celtic and Scottish football on that night in 1989. They were managed by Ivan Golec who went onto become Dundee United manager from 1993-1995. Also, the son of Partizan’s crucial 88th minute goal was the father to Stefan Scepovic who had a spell at Celtic during the 2014/2015 season.

27 September 1897, Celtic humiliate Rangers 4-0 at Ibrox. Celtic saved up the finest performance of the 1897/1898 campaign at the home of their rivals. The Daily News wrote that, “Celtic played in magnificent fashion all through the game, ssoring first thanks to Macmahon and then King in the first-half. Campbell and King added to the scoreline in the second-half. The Rangers played under form, the result coming as a surprise. The gate money amounted to £755, a record for the Scottish League.”

27 September 1948, Celtic triumph 3-1 versus Third Lanark in the Glasgow Cup Final. The cup win was a significant one for the Celts as it was the first trophy Jimmy McGrory’s side had won since the end of the war. A huge turnout of 87,000 packed into Hampden Park on what was a sunny September afternoon. Jock Weir was the hero scoring a double on the day with William Gallacher grabbing the other. You would think the trophy win would have given this Celtic side some confidence. It had the opposite effect as the Hoops went onto lose their next 4 games.

44 years ago today, Aberdeen 2-2 Celtic. The Hoops blew a two goal lead in the final 20 minutes at Pittodrie with the Dons rallying a late comeback. Charlie Nicholas broke a Celtic record. He became the first Celt to have scored in nine successive matches. Unfortunately for Tom McAdam, a speculative shot deflected off him which resulted in the games equaliser for the home side.

27 September 1997, Dundee United 1-2 Celtic. Wim Jansen’s side were given a confidence booster at Tannadice ahead of their huge clash in the UEFA Cup against Liverpool at Anfield on the Tuesday night. Speculation prior to the match against United had been focused on Celtic’s pursuit of Barcelona striker Juan Pizzi. The Catalans even turned down a three month loan deal from Celtic they were that desperate to keep a hold of him. Donnelly and O’Donnell allowed the Celts to go in 2-0 at half-time. A game of two halves as Tommy McLean’s displayed a spirited second-half performance, but it was Celtic that went home with the points.

Seven years ago today, Celtic defeated Belgian side Anderlecht 3-0 away from home. Brendan Rodgers ended a run of 16 Champions League group stage games without a win. It was Celtic’s second away win in 28 Champions League matches. The record still stands at two. Leigh Griffiths, Patrick Roberts and Scott Sinclair were the scorers on the night which gave the Hoops the advantage for that crucial 3rd spot in the group. Bayern Munich and PSG made up the other teams in the section in what was a difficult Champions League campaign.