Half a century after the first confrontation between Celtic and Atlético in the 1973-1974 campaign, in the first leg of the European Cup semi-finals, the red and white team will remember this Wednesday in Glasgow that epic battle in which they finished with eight players and managed draw without goals, thus opening the way to the first final in its history in the highest competition. Atlético will wear red and blue at Celtic Park to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that historic duel and pay tribute to Glasgow’s heroes. Among them, Cacho Heredia and Javier Bermejo, who this Tuesday traveled with Diego Pablo Simeone’s expedition in representation of that team that on April 10, 1974 suffered the expulsions of Ayala, Panadero Díaz and Quique during a very tough match that also saw marred at its end by attacks between footballers from both teams and police charges against Atlético players.
The colchonero team already played at Celtic Park in the 1986 Cup Winners’ Cup (in the round of 32, behind closed doors) and in the 2012 Europa League (group stage) and, as happened in 1974, after eliminating the Scottish team they also reached the final in both competitions, the first lost against Dinamo Kiev and the second won against Athletic. Now it is also a duel from the first phase, but in the Champions League, and with Atlético leader and favorite for the round of 16 and the rival, irreconcilable enemy of the Spanish team, against whom one of the myths of Scottish football and captain of Celtic 1974, Billy McNeill, branded as “scum”, bottom of the group.
Since their disappointing draw at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on the opening day, with a goal from the Lazio goalkeeper in the 95th minute, Atlético has not stopped growing, to survive fatigue and injuries, add their first European victory, although suffered, against Feyenoord (3-2), and have the possibility of getting on track in Glasgow to go to the first direct knockout round. Celtic, on the other hand, has lost the two games it has played in the Champions League, against Feyenoord (2-0) and Lazio at home (1-2), and also starts as a victim against an Atlético that has regained its solidity and, relaunched by Griezmann, he is once again a candidate to fight for the League title and go far on the continent.
The current champion of the Scottish league is the undefeated leader in their country’s championship, with a seven-point lead over Rangers after nine games. However, in Europe, craftsmanship and the breadth of the squad are considered key and Atlético must take advantage of its great moment at Celtic Park, with morale reinforced after its rout of Celta in Balaídos.
Probable lineups:
Celtic: Hart, A. Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate, Wood, Furuhashi and Palm.
Atlético: Oblak, Molina, Azpilicueta, Witsel, Hermoso, Riquelme, De Paul, Koke, Saúl, Griezmann and Morata.
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany).
Stadium and time: Celtic Park. 9:00 p.m. (Movistar Champions League).
2023-10-24 16:53:25
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