The Submari were very much an unknown quantity back then but they showed a lot of class over the two legs and they've gone from strength to strength in the intervening years since. When Celtic run out at El Madrigal stadium tonight they will find themselves facing the form team in Spain.
Scott McDonald is looking forward to the game "We know that the stadium itself is a compact stadium and obviously there is a history between the supporters from coming here a few years back," he said, "Unfortunately, that night Villarreal won the game and won the tie, this time it's different with it being points at stake but it's going to be a fantastic atmosphere. Hopefully it does make for a friendly atmosphere so hopefully that does help us in the game."
His team-mate Scott Brown thinks that the pace now in this Celtic side could be very important in the match "We've got pace to burn within our side this season with Sami up front, Aiden and Shaun. They are all talented players, so we are looking forward to this game" said Brown "Why shouldn't we? It was a disappointment to be held to a draw in our opening Champions League game with Aalborg, the only time we have not hit the net this season.
"But we have scored 10 goals in the three games since that match, and I think a lot of this is down to the gaffer who has shown us how to play together and how to get into the positions we need to be in to be effective" said the midfielder "We will go into this game looking to take a point, and if we can do that we will all be delighted. If we can't, then we will just have to beat Villarreal when they come to Glasgow."
Striker McDonald says that the team have prepared for a more European style game "It's something we've been working hard on," he said, "especially at the start of this season with the type of games we had pre-season against top-quality European opposition, to try and get more of a style for playing in Europe"
"Obviously it's totally different to how we play week in, week out in Scottish football, which is a lot quicker and more attacking-minded. In Europe we're playing against top-quality players and you've got to keep the ball when you get it, be patient and wait for the right times" the Australian forward continued "In the past when we've gone away from home we've conceded cheap goals very early on in games and that's obviously not helped us. So hopefully we can put that right and put that to bed and go out there and get some points on the board because we really need that if we're going to have any chance of getting through to the next stage."
All four teams in Group E have a single point on the Champions League board after Matchday One ended with draws in both games. It's fair to say that Celtic would probably be very happy to take one point home from El Madrigal tonight, as Scott Brown said, but Scott McDonald insists they will be looking to win
"We want to get involved in the game, especially early on, and frustrate them and create chances of our own. We're not looking to come here and just nick a point." he said "We always come to places being positive and that's what the manager insists on, that's what the fans want and also what the players love doing - playing attacking football.
"But we do know that we also have to be disciplined when we come away from home," said the striker, "and if that means by being more patient and spending more time on the ball and waiting for those right moments, then so be it. And if we get something from the game then that would be fantastic."
Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini says that the team that manages to control possession and stay focused, in what will be a carnival atmosphere, will emerge victorious. His team have never lost a home match in the Champions League in six outings and Celtic have never won away from home in 17 previous away ties but Pellegrini takes no comfort from such statistics
"Every new game turns a page" said the Spanish side's Chilean boss "and I've emphasised to my squad they must produce a top-quality display to beat Celtic. When you play British-style teams it's often the case that they are used to getting the ball back quickly. One of the keys to playing well against them, and winning, is denying them possession."
Celtic's number seven agrees totally with the Villareal boss "With no disrespect to the clubs we play in Scotland, if you lose the ball against them then the majority of the time you win it back and you're not going to get punished for it or you'll get the ball back quite quickly. But in places like this, we're playing against some excellent players who tend to keep the ball very well, so we don't want to be giving them too much on it"