A number of Lazio personnel will arrive at Celtic Park with previous experience on their side.
The likes of Ciro Immobile and Danilo Cataldi were part of the Lazio team that went down to us in Glasgow in the Europa League some four years ago. That was a magical night that will be fresh on the visiting side’s mind as they arrive in the Champions League this time.
However, one player may have witnessed Celtic Park at the loudest and proudest it has ever been: the night we toppled the might of Barcelona.
When you read out the side the Catalan giants fielded that evening, it really is remarkable to consider that we got the better of them.
Valdes, Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba, Xavi, Song, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi and Sanchez. You can even throw in Pique, Fabregas and Villa as some second-half subs.
Many of the players from that glorious side have retired in the 11 years since the fixture. None of them are still at Barcelona. Those who were young now find themselves in the twilight of their careers.
That last point certainly applies to Pedro — the brilliant Spanish attacker who made such a name for himself during his seven years with the Barcelona first team. After winning everything there was to win at Camp Nou, he departed for Chelsea, then Roma, then city rivals Lazio.
That’s where he resides now. So he’ll be venturing back over to Glasgow, probably with real memories of that 2012 night in his mind.
Pedro is 36 now and has had to settle for more of a bit part this season under Maurizio Sarri. He has, however, still featured in all but two of their matches this season. So there’s a fair chance we’ll see him back on our pitch this Wednesday.
It is worth saying that the winger has played at our stadium since that glorious Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt night. He did also start in a 1-0 Barca win 12 months later.
Let’s hope he’s on the losing side again this midweek.
In other news, how Celtic loanee Sead Haksabanovic fared in Stoke City’s stunning comeback win
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