OVERALL – 8.5/10 – Our greatest European result since Saint Rafael Santos Borre papped in that fifth winning penalty in Seville and dispelled the Forces of Darkess forever. A journey of trepidation to a mythical civilisation, terrified we’d be literally underwater, drowned by devastating wave after wave of attack as we sank again, well out of our CL depth.
But… Wait… Hell. No! It happened, really. The kind of remarkable, disciplined display completely alien to Celtic in Europe for what seemed longer than it took the MIBs to award a penalty against the Zombies. From grim to grimly fiendish in 90 minutes of heroic stoicism. We escaped with a precious point and a wicked grin on our faces. Bear in mind the Arsend-of-London, those champions elect of media darlings and managed by ex-Zombie, Action Man, from the world’s greatest tourist league, only escaped Atlantis unscathed last month thanks to goalkeeping miracles.
So our chances were scoffed at, the odds of getting any kind of result higher than a punt on big daft Phil seeing out his Mordor contract. Expectations were that we’d all be staggering around in a stupor by half-time again, wearing the shellshocked expression of Queen Camilla’s gynaecologist. Yet they only went and did it – pulled off a minor miracle of defensive resourcefulness, manufactured the most uplifting 0-0 since the D-Cup second string held the Double-Cs in the 1979 Russ Meyer Beneath The Valley Of The Ultra Vixens Bustier Cup Trophy Final.
“Defensively they were absolutely brilliant tonight”
Joe Hart was impressed by Celtic’s performance against Atalanta 🗣
🎙 @Sports_EmmaD pic.twitter.com/O3o3HFRNIF
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Four CL points from 3 games to date. A tally we might have dreamed of, but happening indeed and bringing the fantasy of qualification tantalisingly within our grasp. Also, without being too optimistic, the chance to exact revenge upon Dortmund when we meet them in the final in Munich next May…
What a difference a few weeks makes. Champions League football’s fun again. Bring it on.
Go Away Now
Sandman
Yer a stingy bassa at the best of times, but go watch the game again. Idah was way better than a 5.5.