Brendan Rodgers and his team went a long way to restoring Celtic’s good name in the highest echelons of European football, with that performance last night in Munich…
The Hoops gave one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences to the supporters since we started playing in the competition under Martin O’Neill back in 2001.
O’Neill certainly set the standards when he bullied several of Europe’s elite heavyweights at Celtic Park throughout his tenure. Those days created a mentality amongst the support that nobody who came up against Celtic in European football should have an easy night and it’s one we carried on for years until more recently.
A foothold back on the ladder
Some hefty defeats on the Continent during Rodgers’ first spell were hard to take and they signalled a major gap in quality between the Bhoys and Europe’s elite clubs. This year though, the Celts have definitely been able to get a foothold back on the ladder of becoming a seasoned campaigner at this level, with the new-look format lending itself to our particular development arc.
It has allowed players like Nicolas Kühn and Daizen Maeda to really express themselves, whilst helping others like Alistair Johnston build on previous experience. So when the dust settles after their heroic efforts in Munich last night, it was good to take stock and realise just what we have achieved this year in European football once more.
Crucial to bring some credibility back
It was crucial to bring some credibility back to the club’s good name and that is exactly what Brendan Rodgers and his team have did this term. That sensational away performance is the template for success now against those higher calibre teams and whilst we lost out narrowly with the last kick of the ball, we showed that fighting spirit and tenacity which is essential to compete with the big boys.
Former Bayern Munich and England star, Owen Hargreaves, said after the game that Celtic went down fighting, and can be really proud of their display in Germany. “Was that relief? Big time,” he said in the TNT Sports studio. “They obviously dominated but Celtic were brilliant in the beginning. After showing Bayern way too much respect in Glasgow, they really went for it and they played brilliantly. They were rally good with the ball and deserved to score. But when you have that much pressure and possession – look how many shots they had – it’s hard for Celtic to get out.
“That’s where the goal comes from. Alphonso Davies, he just gambles. He wins the ball in a brilliant area and it leads to the goal but credit to Celtic. If you’re going to go out, that’s how you go. You go down swinging. they really went for it and I thought they played exceptionally.”
“If you’re going to go out, that’s how you go. Go out swinging” 🫡
Owen Hargreaves credits Celtic despite their heartbreak in Munich.
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qXp234GMey
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2025
Paul Gillespie
READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v Bastien’s Munchies
