On paper, Celtic don’t stand much of a chance against English giants Manchester City on Wednesday night in their UEFA Champions League group stage match.
But, as the old saying goes, the game won’t be played on paper, but on grass — specifically Celtic Park grass, where the Hoops have a history of pulling off the odd upset.
Coming off a 7-0 loss at Barcelona in the opening match of the group stages, the Bhoys will need a result to keep their faint hopes of advancing to the knockout round alive. However, they can draw on these momentous results for inspiration:
Celtic 4, Juventus 3: October 31, 2001
The Hoops made a Halloween crowd happy at Parkhead with a huge, come-from-behind win over the Italian giants. Striker Chris Sutton had the key second goal, and the winner, and King Henrik Larsson added a controversial penalty for the third.
Celtic 0, AC Milan 0: February 20, 2007
A nil-nil draw may not sound like much of a shock result, but the Hoops weren’t supposed to advance to the knockout stages, much less compete with AC Milan. The draw set the stage for a dramatic second leg for then-captain Neil Lennon and Celtic. However, the Hoops would eventually fall at the San Siro.
Celtic 1, Manchester United 0: November 21, 2006
The Hoops advanced to the knockout stages of the UCL in 2006 because of this victory over Man United. The Red Devils--with Giggs, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney et al--were no match for the brilliance of Celtic midfielder and free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura.
Celtic 2, AC Milan 1: October 3, 2007
AC Milan returned to Celtic Park for a re-match, and this time came away with a loss. Celtic central defender Stephen McManus, of all people, proved to be the hero on the night.
Celtic 1, Manchester United 1: November 5, 2008
Tevez, Ronaldo and United returned to Celtic Park two years after their shock defeat, needing a win to advance to the knockout stages. Aussie Scott McDonald scored for the Hoops.
Celtic 2, Barcelona 1: November 7, 2012
Lennon, Celtic’s manager by this time, had predicted his side would play tough, and that they did. Victor Wanyama scored in the 21st minute, and youngster Tony Watt scored in the 83rd. Lionel Messi pulled one back for the Blaugrana in the 91st, but the damage was done, and the Hoops celebrated the club’s 125th anniversary with a historic win.
