Celtic Ruthlessly Destroy Leipzig As A Birthday Gift To Fans In Paradise…
It was 137 years to the day when Brother Walfrid assembled his key men to combat the extended Irish famine, one which had devolved into Glasgow…
The result being that Celtic Football Club was formed. Yesterday, all those years later, the Celtic diaspora celebrated one of our finest European victories with a rousing, mature and relentless win over Red Bull Leipzig.
Everyone was saying it, me included; ‘With the quality the Germans have at their disposal, I’d bite your hand off for a draw.’ Well, just like the annihilation of Aberdeen on Saturday, we should all be doffing our hats to Brendan Rodgers, Callum McGregor and the whole Celtic squad after taking us onto a different level, upwards.
People are saying that this is the best European result since Barcelona. I thought that, but, in hindsight, this was better. Why? Look at the stats.
17 shots to 10
60.5% to 35.5%
592 passes to 359, all in Celtic’s favour.
And, the most important stat of them all;
Celtic 3 Red Bull Leipzig 1
Leipzig are only second to the mighty Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and are famous for their high press and rapid attacks which invariably bring a glut of goals.
Not on this night! After having taken an undeserved lead following a power play from the Bhoys, they continued to apply pressure to the Celtic goal. But then we saw something which had us all gasping, and in awe. We saw a defence who stood up strong against the grey menace, displaying tactical awareness, guts and playing with total authority.
Kasper Schmeichel was supreme, making two world-class stops. Auston Trusty was superb, making a series of crucial tackles. Cameron Carter-Vickers was imperious as his leadership and craft repelled the Germans, sending them scurrying back across the north sea pointless.
Calmac was a true leader as he won the midfield battle, driving them back into their own box time and again.
Nic Kuhn had the game of his life as he destroyed his countrymen with a show of pace, power and a brace of goals. How much is he worth now? Yesterday The Celtic Star Editor said at least £30m, he might be revising that upwards this morning.
Reo Hatate drove them mad as he seemed to be everywhere, all at once. What a game he had.
There was not one failure in the team as Paradise rocked to the beat of the Green Brigade. Their opening banner was quite simply remarkable, and they should be commended.
This was a game for the ages and has put Celtic in with a great chance of doing the unthinkable by qualifying for the next round of the European Champions League. This would bring about more games, more revenue and more opportunities for the supporters to do what they do, and they do it so well.
What a coup that would be considering we have now amassed over £5,000,000 just as a bonus as a result of our results in the tourney so far. To top-up the embarrassment of riches we have in the Janefield Street vaults so far, that’s the equivalent of another top player.
However, putting all the money and kudos aside, I had a revised look at the Champions league anthem as the players took the applause of the vast support who had the Space Shuttle pilots looking down in awe.
There is nothing quite like it anywhere in world football, and we should embrace the great days we are currently in the midst of.
Celtic Football Club is in good hands under the care of Brendan Rodgers. But, on this day of days, a backwards glance to the man who started it all to give the starving Irish a chance would be, in Tommy Burns speak, “Fitting.”
Happy Birthday Celtic. Thanks for everything. You’ll Never Walk Alone!
Hail Hail!
Eddie Murray
Absolutely extraordinary. Ever heard a noise like this at a football match?#CelticFC #UCL @footballontnt pic.twitter.com/i8QTQ2zzNx
— Danny Jamieson (@DannyJamieson) November 5, 2024
Celtic in The Thirties – out now!
Matt Corr’s highly anticipated Celtic in the Thirties (Volumes One & Two) are available now on Celtic Star Books. Order your copies today and receive signed copies which will be posted straight away. Order at celticstarbooks.com