Liam Miller and Chris Sutton scored the second half goals to give Celtic a well deserved win over French side Lyon.
On the back of the thrilling road to Seville Celtic found themselves back in the Champions League and paired with Bayern Munich, Lyon and Anderlecht.
Following a hard luck story in Munich Martin O’Neill’s side knew that they had to take full points from the French champions to stand a chance of progressing to the last 16.
Miller was the only addition to the Seville side, starring in the centre of midfield and instantly forming a great understanding with Henrik Larsson.
After an evebly matched first half marked by a penalty miss from Alan Thompson Celtic dominated the second period.
Midway through the second half Miller replaced Hartson, Sutton moved into attack and within 10 minutes the substitute completed a great flowing move by heading a Larsson cross into the net at the far post.
Celtic’s superiority was emphasised when Sutton put the hoops 2-0 up but a 3-2 defeat in the final group match away to Lyon meant that the Martin O’Neill’s side finished third in the group leading to a UEFA Cup campaign that ended away to Vilareal after an epic triumph over Barcelona.
CELTIC: Hedman, McNamara, Balde, Varga, Agathe, Lennon, Sutton, Petrov, Thompson, Larsson, Hartson (Miller 64).
Subs Not Used:- Douglas, Gray, Sylla, Petta, Maloney, Kennedy.
Lyon: Coupet, Deflandre, Edmilson, Muller, Reveillere, Govou (Malouda 79), Diarra, Dhorasoo (Luyindula 74), Juninho, Carriere (Essien 63), Elber.
Subs Not Used:- Vercoutre, Sartre, Berthod, Viale.
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Tut tut Joe, Celtic 4-3 Juventus, a shocking omission?
It’s all about opinions, we’re spoiled for choice. Juve were already through and the win didn’t effect the group finishing in third place despite 9 points.
Joe
One of the best shit I have ever seen.
The fact you picked a game with Judas Miller in the team. Nah, not for me.
Cant rule a match out just because of one player & this was probably our most impressive performance over 90 mins – we actually played Lyons off the park that night & they had & have a CL record we can only envy
Joe think u’ve probably got them all spot on agree with your comments re Juve game personally wud hav placed Lyons higher up just for overall performance but the top 5 yer spot on.
Man U for me, before the Barca game, was probs most satisfying due to being routinely dismissed by everyone in media england & scotland incl former cellic players like paddy crerand.
This game definitely makes my list you, mainly because it was once again a night when the team on the pitch and the supporters in the stand were united to defeat the opposition.
I remember Celtic playing so well for about 70mins with nothing to show for it, wave after wave of attack pegged Lyon back. Just shortly before the 1st goal Celtic saw another flowing move have Lyon panicking in defence and managing to scramble it away. The fans responded with the usual roar of encouragement, but perhaps sensing that the team were going to need a little extra something to this night the roar lingered then began to build, growing until it was a crescendo of noise. A single voice big enough to banish tired legs and carry the players forward once more. My memory tells me we scored from he very next attack and the place went berko as always.
Suttons goal for me also stands out as it typified him as a celtic legend and the O’Neil teams’ never say die attitude. Taking a throw in on the half way line then busting a gut to get into the box to thunder Larsson’s perfect cross home. I’m sure as soon as he picked the ball up to take the throw he’d made his mind up he was going to score.
Miller’s introduction played a huge part, shame he threw it all away shortly after…
What about Celtic 3 Benfica 0?
Until last Wednesday night, the 4-3 Juve game was the most memorable night I’ve ever had at Celtic Pk, and there have been a right few. Definitely well above a win over Shakhtar – if for nothing else than the unforgettable site of Lubo absolutely running the show against various Euro superstars. His nutmeg on compatriot Pavel Nedved even left his ‘victim’ smiling.