That was nervy from Celtic, but they got the job done and that’s all that matters.
There was a lot of noise and build-up for the visit of Young Boys in the Champions League on Wednesday night and a lot of pressure on the players’ shoulders.
A lively and eclectic Celtic Park was expectant, with noise levels as high as they have ever been just before kick-off.
But, after a dramatic and goal-disallowed crazy first-half of action, including Arne Engels’ missed penalty, Celtic secured a memorable win over Young Boys after a late own goal did the trick.
Brendan Rodgers has now booked the team’s play-off ticket for the Champions League and there is still even an outside chance of finishing in the top eight.
The Bhoys are sitting 18th in the table, on 12 points and they are one point off Bayer Leverkusen, who hold the final automatic spot, as a certain Aston Villa are one place below them.
Gabby Agbonlahor apologises to Celtic ahead of Aston Villa Champions League tie
A mouthwatering tie awaits everyone when Celtic take on Aston Villa next week – both teams still have a shot at an automatic finish.
But, with his Villa hat on, and Unai Emery’s side having more of a chance of getting that top-eight spot because of where they are in the table, Agbonlahor was clear that ‘goals, goals and goals’ are needed from the home side.
That’s why he apologised to Celtic, even though he thought it was ‘great news’ that they have secured a passage into the play-offs.
Agbonlahor stated on Twitter: “Villa Park, Wednesday. Wow, will be some atmosphere! UTV.
“Celtic, you are in the top 24, which is great news! But Villa, we need to have our scoring boots on, (because) if we better Leverkusen’s scoreline, (then) we go above them! We need goals, goals, goals. I am sorry, Celtic!”
What Brendan Rodgers has said about Celtic’s Champions League clash at Aston Villa
This will be the first time the two former European champions meet and what a stage to do it on, as there are many stories to this soon-to-be-told tale.
From boyhood Celtic fan John McGinn being the Villa captain – although, he is still out injured – to the likes of Martin O’Neill and Stan Petrov being adored by both sets of supporters.
It’s going to be some showdown, as Rodgers is looking forward to playing in such a historic stadium, as he told TNT Sports.
“But we can go there (Aston Villa), like we have done in every game and is to go, work very hard, enjoy and go look to play the level we feel we can,” said Rodgers
“It’s a beautiful pitch and a great stadium at Villa Park, so we will look forward to it when it comes.”
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