Naka’s magic, Boruc’s brilliance as Celtic beat Manchester United, 17 years ago today…
We recorded one of our best European results this century by beating Manchester United at Celtic Park to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
Manchester United, led by sir Alex Ferguson were a superb side with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in their ranks. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say they were one of the best in Europe at that time.
Celtic, despite not having that sort of talent at our disposal, were still a decent side under the leadership of Gordon Strachan. One player who possessed an abundance of talent and would grace a side such as Man United, was Shunsuke Nakamura.
Naka of course was the match winner late on with a superb trademark free kick, one of the best you’re ever likely to see in this famous competition. To outsiders it looked too far out, but us Celtic supporters knew it was as good as a penalty kick for Naka.
And so it proved as with one swipe of that magical left foot the ball flew over the red wall nestled high into the net past Edwin van der Sar, who was a top quality goalkeeper.
It was the second time Naka had put a free kick past the Dutch goalkeeper in that campaign, but this one was a lot better, it was sensational from the King of Japan. We had just witnessed true genius, and with talent like Ronaldo, Rooney and Scholes on the park, that is one helluva compliment to give Naka.
The drama wasn’t over then, far from it. With just minutes remaining the visitors were awarded a spot kick. But big Artur Boruc, who was in his prime, then saved from Luis Saha and the roof almost come off Celtic Park, indeed the roar that greeted Artur’s save was perhaps even louder than the noise that accompanied Naka’s wonderful goal.
We held on and recorded a famous victory, not only that but the win guaranteed us a place in the last 16 of the competition for the first ever time. It was a truly memorable night from Gordon Strachan’s unappreciated Celtic side.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
2023 has been a rather quiet year for @CelticFC books, with I reckon just the three published. @hailhailhistory was first with his debut book The Bould Bhoys ‘Glory to Their Name’ which told the story of Celtic’s first title win. Then a few weeks ago @Boola_vogue brought us… pic.twitter.com/BWVKAWgidl
— The Celtic Star News Feed (@CelticStarMag) November 21, 2023
