UEFA Champions League, Group F, Matchday Five
Wednesday 24th November 2004
Nou Camp, Barcelona
Kick Off 7.45pm, Live On Sky Sports Xtra
In March of this year, Celtic travelled to the Nou Camp on UEFA Cup duty, carrying a 1-0 lead from the first leg. On that night, the team performed like heroes and we came away with a 0-0 draw, ensuring our progression in the competition.
Just being there that evening was one of the true highlights of my life. On entering the Nou Camp I was genuinely gobsmacked at the sheer size of the place, even though it was only three quarters full. We are talking about one of the world's finest sides, in one of the world's most beautiful footballing arenas, and we managed to come away unharmed.
We kept the likes of Ronaldinho at bay, and our goalkeeper, David Marshall put in the performance of his life. Every player battled 100%, they all wanted it so badly, as did the thousands of Celtic fans scattered all around the stadium.
I recall turning to my dad on the stroke of ninety minutes and saying, "It's nearly full time; we've nearly done this!" Cue three anxious minutes and frantic re-arrangements of the words 'ball,' 'the,' 'fuck,' 'to,' and 'boot!' I never knew only a few minutes could take so long to pass by.
The joy when the referee blew for the final whistle will live with me forever. This is why we do it. This is why we spend hundreds and hundreds of pounds each season - for nights like this. Watching our team succeed in stadiums like the Nou Camp, memories that will last a lifetime. Anyone who does not understand never will.
The Celtic View just about summed it up the following week. They showed the team photograph from that night with the caption, 'Kings Of The Nou Camp.'
Tomorrow night, we have an even harder task. We have only picked up three points in four Champions League games, and we sit bottom of our group. We need to go for a UEFA Cup place, and hope that Milan do the business against Shakhtar in the San Siro.
A win would be nice, wouldn't it? To be realistic, the best we can hope for is a draw. Barca are a much improved side than they were last year and they showed this by defeating us 3-1 at Celtic Park earlier this season. Their most recent game was a 3-0 him win over Real Madrid, a game in which Henrik Larsson played his last football of the current season. He was injured during the game, and will miss out for at least six months.
Taking anything from the game is a tall order, especially when you consider the way we have been playing recently. We must go and look for goals, instead of sitting, waiting on the Barca charge. Once again, every player must play like they want the game more than anything else. If we give 100% and still lose the game I would not be surprised, but a great effort is all we ask for.
Bobo Balde's wife is in labour, and he did not travel with the side yesterday. There is still a chance he will make the game.
I travel to Barcelona tomorrow, for what I am sure will be another wonderful trip. Win, lose or draw, we will be there to give The Bhoys a cheer. I'm going for an optimistic point.
Come On The Hoops!
Prediction: FC Barcelona 1-1 Celtic