Thursday, 8th November, 2012
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has saluted what he believes is one of the greatest nights in the Scottish club’s history, after the Bhoys put Barcelona to the sword, winning 2-1 at Celtic Park.
The Scottish Premier League giants were clear outsiders against the Spanish side in the Champions League clash, with Barcelona expected to ease past Celtic and make it four wins from four group games.
But the script had not been read by Lennon’s side, who took the lead when Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama headed them in front after 21 minutes.
Barcelona poured forward in waves, especially in the second half, keeping the ball for long periods and threatening to carve Celtic open.
But the Bhoys held on and even increased their advantage.
In the 83rd minute, goalkeeper Fraser Forster launched a ball up the pitch, which Blaugrana midfielder Xavi underestimated and failed to control.
The ball sped through to Celtic striker Tony Watt, a second half substitute, who kept his nerve and netted past Victor Valdes.
relatedNewsStoryBarcelona may have pulled a late goal back through Lionel Messi, but it was not enough and Celtic gained a famous victory.
"The players are the heroes", Lennon was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"I can’t speak highly enough of their performances tonight and they will go down in the history books of the club as the team that beat probably the best team in the world.
"I think it is one of the greatest nights in the club’s recent history."
The victory moves Celtic on to seven points in their group, behind Barcelona who boast nine, but ahead of third placed Benfica (four points) and Spartak Moscow (three points).
Celtic still face two difficult games to secure a Round of 16 spot, with a trip to Benfica and a home clash against Spartak Moscow to come.
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