CELTIC face AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night, we have the chance to revisit a famous European night when Carlo Ancelotti’s side visited in 2007.
Months earlier, Paolo Maldini lifted the cup with big ears aloft in Athens after beating Liverpool. On their way to this triumph, they beat Celtic 1-0 after extra-time in the San Siro with a goal from Kaka splitting the sides.
In similar fashion to the Last 16 clash between the sides earlier in the year, it was a tense and tactical affair with the torrential downpour making life difficult for both teams.
On 62 minutes, Celtic found the net through an unlikely source – captain Stephen McManus bundled the ball in over the line, sparking scenes of jubilation as the Champions of Europe fell behind.
In true Milan style, they came back and attacked but were almost level when Andrea Pirlo’s swerving free-kick had Artur Boruc almost beaten. Lee Naylor was adjudged to have fouled Massimo Ambrosini in the box, allowing Ballon D’Or winner Kaka to send Boruc the wrong way with 22 minutes left.
⏪ #CELACM ⏪@StephenMc446 ⚽️@ScottyMcD83 ⚽️
A memorable European night at Paradise 🍀🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/3Z8ifAR4A8
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 20, 2020
Celtic had their reward for late pressure as Scott Brown tee’d up Gary Caldwell, who’s curled effort appeared net bound before Dida’s desperate dive blocked it. But the big Brazilian parried it into reach of Scott McDonald, who beat the offside, and scored the simplest of tap-ins to send the Celtic support into wild celebrations.
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