Today’s photo of the day comes from the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Off second leg against Spartak Moscow at Celtic Park in August 2007.
The first leg had been drawn 1-1 in Russia thanks to Paul Hartley’s bullet header. Spartak were a strong side though, particularly with the in-form Roman Pavlyuchenko up front.
The Celts couldn’t ask for greater backing as they walked out to this incredible Welcome To Paradise display organised by the Jungle Bhoys.
The match was drawn 1-1, Pavlyuchenko cancelling out Scott McDonald’s opener. Each side struck the woodwork with penalties in open play, but the game would be decided by a shoot out.
Celtic of course won on a famous night which Gordon Strachan said will live with me forever. The Celtic boss remarked: “I’ve had some good nights but that is one that I’ll remember when I’m sitting in my golf club 25 years from now. I’m sure everyone enjoyed it and will remember it. It had everything. I don’t think I’ve won a shootout before as a manager.”
Let’s get Celtic Park at its colourful and inspirational best again tonight, ahead of another massive Champions League qualifier, albeit against less renowned opposition than Spartak Moscow.
