Latest News

On This Day- Martin O’Neill’s Greatest European Victory For Celtic

|
Image for On This Day- Martin O’Neill’s Greatest European Victory For Celtic

Seventeen years ago tonight Celtic fans were celebrating one of their greatest European victories.

After drawing 1-1 in the first leg at Celtic Park Martin O’Neill’s side headed to Anfield to face Liverpool fresh from the disappointment of losing out in the final of the League Cup to Rangers.

According to those in the dressing room O’Neill produced one of his most passionate pre-match ‘talks’ as he sent his side out to take on Gerard Houllier’s side which included Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Danny Murphy, Emile Heskey and John Arne Riise. Just over two years later Liverpool won the Champions League in Istanbul.

There were Celtic fans in every area of the ground with many ‘outed’ just before half-time when Alan Thompson opened the scoring with a low driven free kick.

Celtic stood firm through the second half, a goal for Liverpool would have taken the tie into extra-time but after 81 minutes John Hartson belted a 25 yarder past Jerzy Dudek into the goal in front of the official allocation of Celtic supporters.

Suddenly Seville was a reality not a dream, Celtic were through to Friday’s semi-final draw with the travel industry in for an out of season boost that has never been repeated.

Back in 1988 there was also a very significant win, much more local as Paul McStay and Andy Walker put one hand on the League Championship trophy in Celtic’s Centenary Season.

Share this article

Online and independent- the only way to be. Enjoying instant news access and reaction, following the trends if not an influencer!