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Celtic 2 - 1 Barcelona - An Unforgettable Night In Champions League History

Celtic 2 - 1 Barcelona - An Unforgettable Night In Champions League History

On this day in 2012, Celtic recorded a famous 2-1 win over a star-studded Barcelona team.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Lionel Messi looked at his Barcelona teammates in utter disbelief. It was a night he, and millions watching at home, will never forget. Tony Watt can one day tell his grandkids: "I scored against Barcelona." - Not many can say that.

Glasgow was rocking. The atmosphere at Celtic Park that night was unbelievable. Fans piling on top of each in other in indefinable happiness while the commentator bellowed: "This is the stuff of legend" - He was right.

It was one of those 'where were you when Tony Watt put Celtic 2-0 up in the 81st minute' moments.

Despite having 89% of possession, 25 shots and 14 shots on target throughout the game, Barcelona only managed to convert in the 90th minute after a number of heroic saves from Fraser Forster.

Image result for celtic vs barcelona stats
Image result for celtic vs barcelona stats

It was a dream start for the Scottish side.

Celtic took the lead when Victor Wanyama rose majestically to head past Victor Valdes after 21 minutes. Neil Lennon looked on, understandably shaken from what he'd just witnessed - even Wanyama himself looked shocked.

It was certainly a special occasion for the Celtic manager, who was part of the famous team that knocked Barcelona out of the Uefa Cup in 2004. Moments after the game, Lennon said: "Tito Vilanova can bring on David Villa and Cesc Fabregas and I bring on an 18-year-old kid who cost £50,000 from Airdrie,"

Tony Watt had made just 15 appearances for Celtic before that famous night in Glasgow, but his composure in front of goal reminded me of a player who had done it countless times before. If Watt had 100 attempts in the same position, he wouldn't have produced a finish like that.

Watt
Watt

Barcelona continued to press, but Foster continued to parry shots from Messi, Xavi and countless others. Wave after wave of attack was blocked by an organised Celtic back four. Nothing was going to stop them in this "poignant" result following the club's 125th anniversary.

Messi managed to grab a goal in the last minutes but Celtic had done it. "The players are heroes", Lennon beamed in delight. "I can't speak highly enough of their performance tonight. They will go down in the history books of the club as the team that beat probably the best team in the world."

Messi
Messi

Lennon wasn't wrong. Not many teams come close to Barcelona's 2012/13 side. From Messi to Xavi, Pique to Iniesta - Celtic beat them with the likes of Georgios Samaras, Kris Commons and Charlie Mulgrew.

A superb achievement and a night every Celtic fan will never forget.

Goosebumps.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Celtic, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Champions League