Almost every European game at Celtic Park is followed by the opposition team’s players or country’s media waxing lyrical about the atmosphere. At times it can be frustrating, almost patronising (in the view of some), when the away side has left with a victory. However, it is warmly received when the result has gone our way.
That’s exactly what happened yesterday afternoon, as over 50,000 Celtic fans turned up to the ground in spite of work and school commitments. The Hoops were in fine form, winning 2-0, and the stands shook to the sounds of the huddle and Celtic Symphony etc.
Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport were shocked by the ambience in Parkhead. They wrote: “The arena, famous for its unique atmosphere, is a great sight even when empty, but like this, spiced by the Celtic ultras, it’s even more impressive.
“It’s no coincidence Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also said that Celtic Park has a captivating atmosphere, with more than fifty thousand Scots with their backs to the field, singing and bouncing. Local journalists have become accustomed to this, but even they stopped writing for a few moments.
“Ferencvaros fought hard and played another match in which their footballers must have developed, they continue to get used to what it takes to reach the (mid-ranking) European level. Celtic is still a better team than the Hungarian champions.”