Having brushed aside HJK Helsinki and Helsingborgs to qualify for the Champions League, Celtic opened their group campaign with a 0-0 draw against Benfica at Celtic Park, and earnt their first ever away win at the group stage of the tournament thanks to a late goal against Spartak Moscow in the notoriously difficult Luzhniki Stadium. One could be forgiven for being a little overexcited ahead of Celtic’s third match of the group, a trip to the Nou Camp on 23 October 2012. Be that as it may, there can be little excuse for the absence of mind that Efe Ambrose displayed.
A day earlier, on 22 October, the Celtic team checked in their luggage to fly out to Spain and prepare for the huge match against Barcelona. As his kitbag rested on the scales, Efe Ambrose looked to his horror upon opening his hand luggage. It was then that the central defender realised he had forgotten his passport and was about to experience a world of ignominy.
A contingency plan was put in place to ensure that the Nigerian international made it over to prepare for the match properly. Although, Efe’s blushes were spared when he was able to retrieve the document and reunite with his teammates at Glasgow Airport with half an hour until boarding. He could finally relax, avoid the wrath of his Manager and set his sights on stopping Lionel Messi.
Little over 24 hours later, Celtic and Ambrose himself, performed terrifically against a star-studded Barcelona team. Samaras had actually given the Hoops a shock lead in the first half, a lead which Celtic held until Andres Iniesta rounded off an incredible passing move in stoppage time. Celtic held firm throughout the second half, owing enormous gratitude to Fraser Forster for producing an unreal performance to keep the score level. A monumental result looked on the cards, only for Jordi Alba to spoil the party in the 94th minute with a tap in at the far post. Celtic were heartbroken, but they would exact revenge on the Catalonians with one of the finest victories in the club’s history two weeks later.
