Watch Penalty Shoot-out after Celtic beat Valencia 1-0 in 2001

CELTIC LEGEND Lubo Moravcik played in the Celtic team that lost that dramatic penalty shoot-out against Valencia in 2001 so tonight is our chance to get our revenge! Speaking to tonight’s Match Day Programme, Lubo reckons that the secret weapon Celtic can deploy is 12th man that is the incredible Celtic support.

“During my time at Celtic, we were very lucky as there were always big crowds at our games, be that European games, league games, cup games, pretty much all games.

“That made every game feel really special, and the fact people would come and pay their money so consistently made us want to play well – even more than normal. We played a friendly game at one point against Bayern Munich in early 2000, I didn’t actually play, but the stadium was half-full and I honestly think that’s the only time we didn’t play in near-full capacity during that time.

“Nowadays, financial constraints, among other things, might prevent folk from filling stadiums every single week, but it’s always guaranteed at Celtic Park on European nights. On those nights in particular, the crowd is an important part of the game.

“That’s how the saying goes, that crowd becomes the 12th player on the pitch when you play at home. This is going to be crucial in that first game against Valencia.

“At home, you’re likely to be stronger, and that’s normal because you have the home stadium advantage and you have the crowd behind you. Away from home? You always have to be very strong, and you actually need to try to make the same game of the match as you might at home.

“There are only a few clubs in the whole of Europe who play at a level where it doesn’t matter if they’re playing home or away, where they can play the same game, there’s maybe only 10 teams where that applies. You have to have very good players for that to be the case, in all positions.

“But for Celtic, they’re always so strong at home. With the home fans and a good performance, it’s possible for them to go through.

“I absolutely think Celtic can go through, and I wish them all the best! I think they can do it. Perhaps they can beat Valencia 2-0 in the first leg, and can go over there and defend that lead and qualify for the next round.”

Pick up the official match programme tonight to read the full interview with Lubo Moravcik.

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