Due to terrorist attacks in Madrid this morning, Barcelona submitted a request to UEFA for the game to be postponed, as a mark of respect. Celtic seconded this request, but UEFA ruled that the game must go ahead.
There was a strange atmosphere before the game, with no pre-match music being played. There was a rousing version of "You'll Never Walk Alone" before a minute's silence for the victims of today's atrocity. The silence was spoiled by several Barcelona supporters, who were shouted down by Celtic fans, but nevertheless, the mood was set for a fiery game.
Celtic's line-up included Craig Beattie, partnering Henrik Larsson up-front, with Didier Agathe dropping to right back. With so many injuries and such a depleted squad, most fans would have taken a 0-0 draw if you had offered them it before kick-off.
The Celtic fans were in full voice as the game got underway, on a pitch which is in a terrible state. The play was packed into the middle of the park and there was little room for movement.
Stephen Pearson was causing Barca problems early in the game, and came close with a shot after 12 minutes.
Celtic seemed panicky and overawed by the opposition, and countless unforced errors were made, by almost every player in the team. As Celtic looked to be getting worse, Barcelona seemed to be getting more and more comfortable, and soon squandered many chances to take the lead.
Phillip Cocu, Javier Saviola and Ronaldinho all came close to opening the scoring, Rab Douglas made a cracking save to deny the latter.
With plenty of encouragement from the Celtic Park crowd, the Hoops pulled themselves together, and Alan Thompson was unlucky on the stroke of half time, with an effort from outside the Barca area.
The half-time whistle went, and what happened next really is unknown. From where I was sitting at the game, I could see a mass of bodies involved in something in the tunnel. Bobo Balde was seen charging towards Thiago Motta, who had had a confrontation with Balde on the park. Radio reports suggest that a racist remark was made towards Balde, punches were thrown and Rab Douglas intervened. Rumours are also rife that Douglas threw the first punch, but whatever happened, the result was a red card for Rab Douglas and Barcelona's Motta.
David Marshall, Celtic's 19 year-old substitute 'keeper, replaced Craig Beattie to take place in Celtic's goal for the second half. With Douglas now suspended, Marshall is set to play in the return leg, in two weeks time.
It wasn't long before Barcelona blew another opportunity to take the lead. The impressive Ronaldinho sent Saviola through on goal, but the striker fired only inches wide of the post.
Saviola's night was about to become worse minutes later, after he swung out a stray leg at Alan Thompson. He was red-carded and joined his team-mate Motta for an early bath.
Confidence was now high in the Celtic support and team, and it wasn't long before Celts took the lead.
Stan Petrov gathered the ball and crossed to Henrik Larsson, whose perfectly weighted knock-down fell at the feet of Alan Thompson. Thompson accepted Larsson's invitation and Celtic Park went crazy.
Celtic were looking for more, and Henrik Larsson came close with a well taken shot. That was to be the last of the action, and the only sour note was Bobo Balde's stupid booking, which rules him out of the second leg. He will never learn.
We can now look forward to more fun in the sun, days like these should be celebrated as this is one of the finest Celtic teams in history. The players' determination, fight and spirit has to be admired, and whatever the result in two weeks time, we can hold our heads up high.
Nou Camp baby!
Celtic:
Douglas - 7
Balde - 7
Varga - 8
McNamara - 8
Agathe - 8
Lennon - 10
Pearson - 9
Thompson - 6 (Sylla - 7)
Petrov - 8
Larsson - 8
Beattie - 6 (Marshall - 7)
Celtic-Mad Man of the Match: Neil Lennon
Celtic-Mad Moment to Remember: Thompson's goal, and the realisation that we were 1-0 up against FC Barcelona. Honourable mention to Ronaldinho, who was truly a joy to watch.
Celtic-Mad Moment to Forget: The minute's silence, which was ruined by mindless Barcelona supporters, for whatever reason I don't know.