James Forrest’s testimonial was certainly a game that showed us two faces to this Celtic side. The side that has concentration lapses and the side that was ruthless in front of goal.
It was an emotional night for Forrest as the Celtic winger took centre stage against Athletic Club and enjoyed the adulation of the club and the fans.
And after the match, Athletic sent a classy message to Celtic and the supporters in a move that has really exemplified the La Liga side’s approach to this fixture.
The 3-2 win over Athletic Club was a fitting end to an emotional night for Forrest and the Basque club certainly played their part in making it an entertaining ninety minutes.
Celtic’s bond with Athletic Club strengthened this summer
It’s incredible to think that for two clubs that haven’t had much of a history in facing each other, the bond they have created is so close.
The last meeting in 2011 ended in a 0-0 draw but the ties between both clubs didn’t stop there. Athletic paid an incredible tribute to Celtic legend, Billy McNeill in 2019 when they awarded him their One Club Man Award in front of a packed San Mames stadium.
In the build-up to this fixture, Athletic wrote a superb piece for their fans on James Forrest and the history and tradition of Celtic as well as recognising Billy McNeill’s achievements for the club.
They also took the time to visit a local Celtic supporters club in Bilbao where the founders of the club got to explain the close bond they have forged with the locals and how they get involved in the Basque community and posted the video on the club’s official YouTube channel.
Prior to kick-off last night, a club official laid flowers at the Billy McNeill statue on The Celtic Way.
The friendship forged between Celtic and Athletic Club over the last twelve years continues to strengthen and they will be more than welcome back at Paradise.
In other news, Chris Sutton’s transfer advice as ex-Celtic hero backs first-team star
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