Champions League Wednesday November 24th

Barcelona 1

Celtic 1

1:0 Eto'o 24
1:1 Hartson 45

Att: 74,119

ref: Michel (Slo)

Celtic:
Hedman Agathe Balde Varga Valgaeren McNamara Petrov Lennon Thompson Sutton Hartson
subs
Camara for Varga 66
Wallace for Thompson 87

Our first away points in the Champions league. What a way and what a place to get them.

Written off by the hacks and run down by every pundit as lambs to the slaughter, Celtic emerged with their European reputation restored following a massive performance in the Camp Nou. It's difficult to describe the significance of this result, as the Champions elect of La Liga were matched on their own midden by a depleted Celtic squad.

Despite the loss of Larsson at the weekend while Barca roasted real Madrid 3:0, they started formidably, with Ronaldhino creating opening after opening. Celtic attempted to counter by getting men behind the ball and stifling play. It worked. It took almost 25 minutes before Giuly brought a save from Hedman, though it took only another minute for Deco to feed Eto'o for the opener. Eto'o didn't finish too well after that and should have put Barca two up a minute later, but for pressure from the Sieve.

Hedman was in top form and doing a lot to revive his goal keeping credentials with a series of excellent saves from Giuly, Eto'o and Deco Celtic rarely threatened, but looked to play for a set piece near the box.

On the stroke of half time this arrived after Sutton was bundled over on the wide left, about 20 yards out. Hartson duly converted after Varga dummied. Barca looked stunned.

The second half saw Celtic emerge composed, as confidence flooded through a demoralised side. Despite immense Barca pressure, Celtic held on. No late goals were conceded.

Lessons appear to have been learned at last. This was one of our finest nights in Europe for many a year. Barca may be in the next round with Milan, but we may yet make UEFA football after Christmas.