Champions League: Wednesday October 10th

Celtic 1

Rosenborg 0

1:0 Thompson (29)

Att: 58,575

Ref: Braschi (Italy)

Celtic: Douglas; Balde, Mjallby, Valgaeren; Agathe, Lambert, Lennon, Petrov , Thompson; Sutton, Larsson

Brattbak part 2; The return of Harald.

It had appeared from the moment that the draw was made that it was written that Harald would score. After the hellish time he had here, he would wreak a terrible revenge. And for a couple of worrying moments it looked like he might, he certainly managed to do something that no forward in the Scottish league has managed to do; get Balde on his heels and turn him. But fortunately help was at hand and the danger averted.

Another goal from a set piece. The press are starting to pick up on this, like goals from set plays don’t really count or something. But our play in general was been pretty good, and their defence, especially the centre half, was excellent.

In fact our goal came as a direct result of their centre half going on a run at our defence. He lost the ball which was quickly shuttled to Larsson would moved it on to Petrov racing straight through the centre, the foul from the full back in covering for the centre half brought the free kick, and for once Thompson got it through the wall and in.

The second half developed pretty much the same way the Porto game went. We were in front, happy to concede a certain amount of space, but always looking for the counter attack.

After so many years of being on the receiving end of these tactics it makes for refreshing change to be the ones holding the lead. Improving on a lead still seems to be a problem though, hence another night of watching the last 10 minutes through your fingers while your heart beats like a hamster on a motorised wheel.

An interesting example of collective thought was heard when the fourth official indicated there would be four minutes of injury time. The reaction of the crowd was to collectively moan “4 f@*kin’ minutes!".

And those last few minutes didn’t exactly pass without incident. Rab Douglas twice flew into action to keep the ball out of the net, although it transpired that on both occasions fouls had been committed by the forward, but it was good to know he was up to it when required.

Another 3 points, and we’re now top of two leagues!