On This Day in 2018, Callum McGregor’s goal gave Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic a well-earned 1-0 win over Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League. The Russian side, then managed by Roberto Mancini, arrived in Glasgow’s East End on a blustery February night.
Olivier Ntcham almost scored early on before stand-in goalkeeper Dorus De Vries pulled off a great save. Celtic were in control but struggled to find that clinical touch in front of goal until 78 minutes.
Charly Musonda passed to Ntcham, who found his compatriot Moussa Dembele on the left hand side before the Frenchman took the ball towards the Russian’s box. Dembele cut back in, giving the ball to Musonda, who’s lofted pass with controlled and smashed into the goal on a half volley from Callum McGregor.
It was a great finish from Celtic’s now skipper. He loved a goal pushing forward, especially on the half volley like the goals against Motherwell and Rangers in the Cup that season.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were magnificent that night and warranted the win. Albeit, it wasn’t enough to carry the Scottish Champions into the Round of 16 as Celtic lost the return leg 3-0 after some extremely poor defending.
