Thursday, February 21, 2008

Brave But Outmatched, Celtic Fall.

UEFA Champions League
First Knock-out Round, First Leg
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Celtic Park, Glasgow


CELTIC… 2
(Vennegoor of Hesselink 16, Robson 38)

BARCELONA… 3
(Messi 18, 80, Henry 52)

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Caddis (Wilson 61), Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Robson, Hartley (Donati 65), McGeady; Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 55), McDonald.

Subs: M Brown, O’Dea, Sno, Killen.

BARCELONA (4-3-3) Valdes; Puyol, Marquez, Milito, Abidal; Deco (Xavi 66), Toure; Iniesta; Henry (Gudjohnsen 89), Messi, Ronaldino (Eto’o 73).

Subs: Pinto, Sylvinho, Giovani, Thuram.

There were thrills, spills and relentless excitement as Celtic rode a rollercoaster of emotions in this UEFA Champions League last 16 encounter with Barcelona at Celtic Park before finally going down 3-2.

Confronted with arguably the best attacking side in world football, Celtic initially fought fire with fire, twice taking the lead through Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Barry Robson.

Ultimately though it was not enough, with the visitors showing their class in the second half and earning an invaluable first leg away win thanks to Lionel Messi’s late strike.

The sense of excitement was palpable in the lead-up to kick-off, with the supporters greeting the arrival of Barca’s front three of Messi, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry with a mix of fear and anticipation.

Article.

The bhoys fought hard, but the superior team won last night. alas, there were to be no miracles, but the team fought hard and there is a lot to be proud of. Hopefully, they can keep up there current run of form in the league this weekend!

Hail! Hail!


TomC