da cassino： It hadn’t been done since 1977. When Scott Sinclair rushed into the box on Wednesday night against Anderlecht and slammed a third goal into the back of the net, this Celtic team became the first such Hoops side to win by three or more goals in the European Cup proper for 40 years.
da dobrowin： It’s a result that will be celebrated for a long time amongst the Celtic support, but it could be just the beginning, the catalyst for a resurgence on the European stage for the Scottish champions.
That’s exactly what Brendan Rodgers was tasked with when he came into the club last year. Things had not been going to plan in Europe under Ronny Deila. The Norwegian had almost mastered the domestic bit, in the league at least, but his failure to make Celtic competitive even in the UEFA Europa League was a key failing that needed to be addressed.
Last night then became one of the biggest matches under the reign of Rodgers so far, perhaps even second only to May’s Scottish Cup Final when the prospect of an undefeated treble dangled tantalisingly. It was also his biggest test and he passed with flying colours.
The difference
Even when Celtic have been competitive in Europe in recent years, notably under Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon when they reached the last 16 of the Champions League, it hasn’t always been done with the grace and poise that was on display on Wednesday night. Those were campaigns built around the philosophy of stopping the opposition playing and relying on individual moments of brilliance. That couldn’t be more different to the ambition that Rodgers has brought to his Celtic team.
The Hoops showed great bravery on the ball against the Belgian champions, keeping possession in tight areas and passing with a freedom that was more like a team playing at home, rather than a crucial away match with the record on their travels that they have. It would have been perfectly understandable for there to be a fear or nervousness that it might not quite go to plan. Before the win over Anderlecht, Celtic had never kept a clean sheet away from home in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Rodgers’ side throttled the game with possession, making 537 passes in total, as per the official UEFA numbers. That’s more than double the total of the Belgians and with 89% accuracy, 13% more accurate than the home side. What that demonstrates is that Celtic imposed themselves on the game rather than simply setting up to grind out a result like they may have done in years go by. It’s the Rodgers way and it worked perfectly, allowing them to dictate the only way this match was ever going to go.
The turning point
Winning in that manner not only justifies the progress Celtic have made under Rodgers’ leadership but also marks a tangible shift in the perception of the side away from home in Europe. It’s a turning point from where Celtic were, towards where Celtic could be.
European football after Christmas is now within touching distance. Even if Anderlecht pick up six points from their next three games against Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, Celtic will still go into the final match of the groups at Celtic Park knowing that victory will see them into the UEFA Europa League.
In that environment the Hoops can thrive, in a manner that teams like Ajax and Anderlecht have themselves in recent seasons. Don’t forget, the team that Celtic just battered in their own backyard took eventual winners Manchester United to extra-time at Old Trafford last term.
After Wednesday’s match, as quoted by The Herald, Rodgers said: “A Scottish team hasn’t won in so long. I think Lenny was the last in 2012, before that God knows when a Scottish team won away from home. Naturally it takes experience, it takes time, and, takes that belief.”
What the Celtic boss has given this club more than anything is that belief and it has never been more evident than in the 3-0 win. That’s what makes this the defining result of his reign so far and what makes Celtic’s potential on the European stage so exciting.