In 1987/88, Dortmund would themselves be eliminated in the third round by FC Bruges. The Germans, 3-0 up from the first leg at home, would incredibly lose by 0-5 after extra time in Belgium. As for Celtic, their early exit from Europe was probably no bad thing as it allowed them to focus all their energies on the league championship.
At the time of the two Dortmund ties, McNeill’s side was very much a work in progress. It would be strengthened soon after by the arrivals of McAvennie and Miller. The team then continued to grow in confidence as it put together a six-month unbeaten run between October and April.
Just as important in the Centenary Season was the visible change in Celtic’s playing style as Celtic began to make themselves less vulnerable at the back. The key partnership of Roy Aitken and Mick McCarthy worked very effectively in central defence whilst, as noted by Tom Campbell and Pat Woods in The Glory and the Dream, “McNeill’s assistant, Tommy Craig …played a significant role in developing and perfecting a “pressing” game”.
Celtic Champions 1988. Roy Aitken and Billy McNeill with the trophy. Photo The Celtic Wiki
All these improvements arrived too late for the Dortmund game. Had Celtic survived in Europe until after Christmas, one can only speculate what this team might have achieved. As it was, the team went on to clinch a glorious League and Scottish Cup Double in the club’s Centenary season. Clinical finishing, solid defending and an indomitable team spirit all augured well for the season to come, when the Bhoys would again be back in the European cup. Surely this time, this new-look Celtic side could make a real impact?
Frank McAvennie of Celtic celebrates after the Scottish Cup Final match against Dundee United at Hampden Park. Celtic won the match 2-1. Photo Allsport UK /Allsport
James McDevitt
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