Celtic’s Paddy McCourt (centre) kicks ahead during the friendly match between Scottish club Celtic and the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, July 12, 2009. Celtic defeated Brisbane 3-0. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
One of the finest achievements occurred the other night with Celtic defying history and winning a UEFA Champions League tie against a well-oiled Russian team challenging for the title mid-way through their season.
Having never won a European tie after losing the first leg, and failing to win any away European game in 23 attempts, it ranks this 2-0 victory as one of Celtic’s finest.
Consider, as well, that the Scottish season is yet to commence and that Tony Mowbray still needs to settle in, along with his new backroom staff and players.
However, it only gets Celtic to the final qualifying play-off before the Champions League stage and this time they will be up against it as they’ll be facing teams of the calibre of Arsenal, Lyon and Athletico Madrid, amongst others.
Jubilation in August is not a bad way to kick off another exciting football season around the globe and I am sure the passionate fans of Romanian outfit Politehnica Timisoara are feeling the same as Celtic fans.
The world is a better place this morning.
Colin N
Guest
I think Mowbray is an excellent appointment. I watched the second-half and the movement and football played was far better than what they did under Strachan. They were impressive, but Dinamo Moscow weren't much cop and it will be interesting to see how the season develops.
Matthew Maguire
Roar Pro
Good start for Mowbray. Thank christ Strachan got the chop. Had almost given up hope of seeing Celtic win away in Europe. Hopefully it is the first of many. Now if we can only get McDonald to score for the Socceroos....