Requiem For A European Dream

Gary Robertson ⚽ European duty awaited Glasgow’s big two as Celtic faced Utrecht and Rangers away to Porto (not Napoli as yours truly said last week, not sure how I got the two mixed up but I did and I apologise for my mistake).

So, to the matches. Rangers took an early lead. A cross met by the head of Gassama that nestled nicely into the bottom corner of the net - and with that, hope. However, Porto proved their class and helped by some defensive calamities found themselves 3-1 ahead by half time. And despite spirit and a much improved second half the Rangers limped out of Europe and back to Scotland and domestic duties.

Celtic on the other hand found themselves with much more to fight for: a win against Utrecht and they were through to the knockout stages of the Europa league. Any nerves however were quickly settled as a Tierney cross found Nygren, and Celtic park erupted. The second quickly followed as a mix up between former Celtic keeper Barkas and defender was pounced upon by Nygren whose pass to Maeda was turned into his own net by the hapless Viergever. 2-0 Celtic and all looked lovely. A few mins later and ecstasy for the Celtic fans as they were awarded a spot kick which was readily dispatched by Engels. 3-0. Then just before half time Utrecht found themselves with some hope as De Witts shot eluded Schmeichel and found the back of the net. 3-1 half time, I’ll take it for sure.

Although nothing can be taken for granted in football, nothing's over 'til the pie loving lady serenades us with her version of “Celtic Symphony”, and for a few mins in the second half suddenly thoughts turned to the dark days of WN and Celtic crumbling as Blake shot from range and made it 3-2. Surely not, surely not again. However this is O’Neill's team and quickly the 2 nil advantage was restored as Trusty's head met a corner and the ball flew into the net, sending Celtic through to the knockout stages of the Europa league and a tie against Stuttgart.

Very different emotions among fans of Scotland's divide as Rangers look to put all their efforts into the league title and Scottish cup whereas Celtic, Scotland's last remaining hope in Europe, have three trophies still available.

Can they finally exorcise the ghosts of Seville and add the Europa league to the “Big cup”? Only time will tell but right now let’s dare to dream. If anyone can inspire Celtic to a famous victory it’s Martin O’Neill.
So to the weekend and domestic action. Hearts faced Dundee Utd at Tannadice looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. This looked a potentially tricky tie on paper but any nerves among the Jambos settled with some excellent play in the 11th minute. What followed was shambolic at best. First a sending off (after a VAR review) for Fatah; another VAR decision upgraded and a penalty awarded; a red for Camara of United; Coach Bowman sent to the stands for protesting and Kabore added a second so Hearts went marching on while United are left thanking their keeper for keeping the score somewhat respectable.

Motherwell continued their fine form away to Championship bound Livingston. A double for in-form Maswanhise quickly put this game to bed. West Lothian’s finest must be desperate for the season to end having won only one game so far and cut adrift at the bottom.

St Mirren and Dundee both gained a point having fought out a goalless draw. A result that really benefits neither and in honesty the best thing I can say about it is that the match took place. 🤣

The Saturday shock however came at Rugby Park where struggling Kilmarnock came up against in form Aberdeen. Goals in the 12th and 14th minute from Lyons and former Livi favourite Anderson put McCann's men in a position they hadn’t found themselves in for some time. Some quality goalkeeping and awful finishing by both sides but nothing could put a dampener on the day for Killie. A sending off for Shinnie summed up the Dons' afternoon before John James scored a third and an unlikely victory sealed. Kilmarnock's first win in 17 league games, they’ll be hoping to build on this and perhaps save their season.

Sunday saw a trip to Leith for Rangers, and whilst the sunshine shone for much of the game there were few highlights - a dreary draw that saw the Rangers slip to third. Neither side can be particularly happy with the point. In a game best forgotten and quickly the highlight perhaps was watching Dane Scarlett, currently on loan at Hibs from Spurs, making his debut and showing some class in a match best forgotten. You can’t make a silk purse out of a pigs ear, Steve R. I tried. 🤣

Celtic rounded up the weekends action with a crowd pleasing performance against Falkirk. A first goal for the new number 11 Cvancara ( I believe will be known as Stan from here on in - if Celtic podcasts are to be believed) whose header from a Tierney cross found its way into the net, having gone in off the post. It took some time for Celtic though to finally ease the nerves of the bhoys and ghirls in Celtic Park when a rocket from the boot of man of the moment Nygren to make it 2-0 to the Celts and lift them back into second place in the league.

With transfer deadline day upon us fans up and down the country will be hoping for new signings, so eyes and ears will be glued to the tv and radio for the latest news. May the footballing Gods answer your prayers.

Til next time ….

🐼 Gary Robertson is the TPQ Scottish football correspondent.