Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has labelled our 3-0 hammering of Rangers as the best atmosphere he’s ever experienced in football “by far”.
Parkhead was absolutely rocking back in February when we hosted our rivals. Rangers came into the game top of the league with the Hoops knowing 3 points would knock them off their perch.
A 45-minute gust of quality from Celtic then absolutely blew Rangers away in what was a stunning showing from Ange’s side. The result ensuring that we headed into the title run-in with all of the momentum.
And in an interview with Optus Sport, Ange has told Mark Schwarzer that the atmosphere that night ranks higher than anything he’s seen including at the World Cup:
“Best [atmosphere] by far. When you walk out there and you hear literally the whole stadium erupt into song, the noise was just deafening.
“I’ve said to people you have different atmospheres. When we played Chile at the World Cup, you hear the Chileans sing the national anthem and you go well, mate that is something there, that is equally as inspiring as it is intimidating.
“That is a unique atmosphere, but in terms of best atmosphere I’ve been involved in from start to finish, that is definitely it.”
Celtic 3-0 Rangers – memories of that February night continue to be magical
There was just something about that performance from the Hoops. It was breathtaking stuff, and you could almost see them feeding off the crowd just as we were feeding off the players.
You have to say the atmosphere played a huge role in the final score too. The Rangers players absolutely caved under the pressure, and it showed. Even in the second half when they were trying to up things a level, they were still extremely timid in the environment.
You can see after that game why there are calls for this to be the norm in derby matches now. For Celtic to not allow Rangers fans in the gate. Especially if we’re only going to be restricted to 700 away-day tickets at Ibrox in any case.
The 3-0 win marked a special night for both Ange and his players. Whilst the supporters will remember the performance forever, it must also be remembered as the match in which everything came together for this group of players.
It was special. Perhaps even better than a traditional UEFA Champions League atmosphere. It was an incredible way to end our 2-year drought over our rivals.
Hopefully it all ends in title success at the end of it. As things stand, we’re certainly in a much healthier position.
In other news, Celtic captain Callum McGregor brilliantly shoots down potential excuse for rivals
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