It was a single strike of the ball that possibly summed up Celtic’s entire Europa League group campaign.
Five minutes from half-time away to Bayer Leverkusen the hoops were awarded a penalty and the chance to get back on level terms with the side that hammered them 4-0 in Glasgow earlier in the group.
Celtic and penalties have had a mixed relationship this season, in quick succession Callum McGregor and Giorgos Giakoumakis had failed to convert.
Bayer 04 end/ Josep’s panenka pic.twitter.com/Gw0hpEjpP3
— ?CarlJungleBhoy? (@CarlJungleBhoy) November 27, 2021
When Josip Juranovic was signed from Legia Warsaw the arrival of a £2.5m international full-back was very welcome.
Now as a bonus Celtic have signed a penalty taker. Starting off away to Real Betis in September he stepped up to put Celtic 2-0 in front. A month later he converted just as confidently at home to St Johnstone.
Where the idea of a Panenka came from is anyone’s guess. Maybe leading by a few goals at home it might be worth a try but not many would give it a go on foreign shores in a critical UEFA match. Juranovic did.
Via the underside of the crossbar Celtic were back on level terms- with the fans given a very memorable moment on an ultimately disappointing Europa night.
Czech footballer Antonin Panenka was the originator of the Panenka style penalty v West Germany in penalty shoot out
Nice one Sophie…Wasn’t aware of that fact!
Daaaaaaa………!!!!!!!