Celtic’s League Cup success in 1997 was a memorable day and an important win in the grand scheme of things. The Coca Cola cup as it was branded then was held at Ibrox and Dundee United provided the opposition. Not only were we going for a trophy, only our second of the decade and our first league cup in fifteen years, a win would give us a confidence booster going forward in that so vital campaign.
Marc Rieper headed in the opener on the 21st minute to ease our nerves and Henrik larsson added a second three minutes later. Celtic were now in control and Craig Burley added a third in the 59th minute to clinch the cup, the next 30 odd minutes were just a formality as the game was played out and the supporters partied in the stands.
When the final whistle sounded it was bedlam in the Bowels of Ibrox, inside enemy territory. we were league cup winners and dreams of a treble were on. Roll with it was belted out as the players paraded the trophy. It was a real beautiful Sunday moment.
It was the first trophy under the guidance of Wim Jansen and the players lapped it up. It proved a vital victory. It let the players sample that winning feeling and gave them the confidence and belief that they could win the title.
30/11/97 COCA COLA CUP FINAL CELTIC V DUNDEE UTD (3-0) IBROX – Celtic’s Marc Rieper (left), Henrik Larsson and Craig Burley celebrate winning the Coca Cola cup after a 3-0 win over Dundee Utd.
We of course would win the title six months later, and that Cup win at Ibrox played a part in the side being crowned champions. It would also be the only trophy to be paraded at Ibrox that season. Happy days indeed.
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HUGE SAVINGS IN THE CELTIC STAR’S SUMMER SALE!
The Celtic Star’s book promotion has been so successful, with hundreds of books at great prices being posted to Celtic fans all over the world, that we’ve decided to continue with the sale until the end of July. We’ve reduced all six books currently available from their usual retail price of £20 and prices are as low as £6 (see below).
All books are high quality hardback, with some signed by the author. And it’s also worth noting that you only pay postage on one book, so it’s free for the second, third and so on. ORDER HERE or click on The Celtic Star image above…this is how it feels to be Celtic!
