Celtic on this Day – The Night Neymar’s Celtic feud began

Some memorable Celtic matches from the first day in October including European action and a goal-fest against Paul Lambert’s Livingston…

Maciej Zurawski heads home Celtic’s third at Livingston

19 years ago today, Celtic ran riot against Livingston at Almondvale winning 5-0. It was the youngsters who impressed with Stephen McManus and Shaun Maloney adding to what was a five star showing against rock bottom Livi. Gordon Strachan benched top scorer John Hartson but it did not have a material impact on the game. Zurawski, Sutton and Beattie netted for the Hoops. Paul Lambert was in the dugout for Livingston but his spell as manager with the Lions’ was cut-short after only seven months.

1 October 2013, Celtic 0-1 Barcelona. It had not even been a year since Neil Lennon’s side produced a performance of a lifetime against the Catalans however the Celts fell just short of replicating a similar night. Skipper Scott Brown was famously sent off with a stamp on Brazilian superstar Neymar which started his feud with the Celtic support. Fraser Forster put in another memorable display churning out save after save. Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas grabbed the only goal of the game with a perfectly cushioned header. It was only Celtic’s second home defeat in Champions League group stage history. The only other one coming against Barcelona in 2004.

1 October 1991, Celtic are held to a 1-1 draw with KFC Germinal Ekeren in the UEFA Cup. The Belgian side rebranded their name in the late 90s to Beerschot AC. The Hoops had won the first leg tie 2-0 and so came into the game needing an away goal to seal it. Having been absent from European football in two seasons, Billy McNeill’s side wanted to make a mark on the continent in the 91/92 season. An early strike from Mike Galloway made the simplest of tasks easier. Celtic were worthy winners across the two games.

Shunsuke Nakamura races with Falkirk’s Tam Scobbie

18 years ago today, Falkirk 0-1 Celtic. Gordon Strachan’s side had been on an emotional high following a Champions League victory during the midweek against Copenhagen. It seemed to be a European hangover until a late Aiden McGeady strike with six minutes of normal time to play meant Celtic walked away with three crucial points.

Conor Spence