Celtic stun European aristocrats Barcelona after teenager Watt provides anniversary present
CELTIC 2 vs BARCELONA 1
CELTIC manager Neil Lennon hailed the perfect 125th anniversary present after his men produced a huge upset to defeat Barcelona in Glasgow.
Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama headed the Bhoys in front in the first half and teenage substitute Tony Watt wrapped up the monumental victory late on.
Lionel Messi scored an injury-time consolation for the Catalans, but it could not spoil Celtic’s night as the club celebrated its birthday.
“It is right up there as one of the proudest nights of my career,” said Lennon. “It was a monumental effort on the [125th] anniversary of the club. I wanted them to do justice tonight and they have surpassed that and beaten the best team in the world.”
The victory gives Celtic a huge chance of qualifying for the last 16, with Lennon’s men three points ahead of third-placed Benfica with just two matches remaining.
Barca broke Celtic hearts with a last-minute winner at Camp Nou two weeks ago but there was to be no repeat last night, with goalkeeper Fraser Forster in inspired form again.
Wanyama climbed highest to meet Charlie Mulgrew’s corner and plant a powerful header past Victor Valdes. Eight minutes from time 18-year-old Watt pounced on Xavi’s slip and drilled home low.