Jota’s family were in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium last night to watch his goal against Real Madrid.
Back in 1967 Celtic made the journey from the Portuguese capital to the Spanish equivalent with John Fallon putting up the shutters as Bobby Lennox scored the only goal of the game in the testimonial match for Alfredo di Stefano.
Last night’s goal wasn’t quite as dramatic but any goal scored by the visitors against Real Madrid carries special meaning.
For Jota it was another step on his rehabilitation. On of Portugal’s top teenage talents looked to be losing his way when Benfica let him go to Real Valladolid for the Lockdown season where his progress continued to stall.
Now, 14 months after a move to the fringes of the European game that teenage potential is being realised with Celtic, Ange Postecoglou and the winger appearing to be the perfect combination.
Asked if last night’s goal was the stuff of dreams the Daily Record reports Jota saying:
Definitely. I think this was one of the best moments of my life. As a kid I always looked for this teams and this stages and to come here and score a goal, I think it’s a very important moment for me and for my family. And they were in the stands so they could see this in local so I am very happy for this
In 10 days Jota joined 54 others for a training camp with the Portuguese national side, a place at the World Cup Finals may soon become more than just another boyhood dream.
Perhaps Jota should’ve started. In going away to these most accomplished sides one is hoping for a Marshall-esque performance by the ‘keeper. Benji has ample practice for such situations and, in any case, having proven thoroughly reliable when called upon, he is surely due a first-team selection in the League.