Celtic lock horns with Slovan Bratislava this evening as both sides go head to head in the Champions League league phase.
With three precious points at stake in the new Swiss-style format, the Bhoys have a chance to start some momentum on the European stage to accompany their excellent domestic start.
Nevertheless, Slovan Bratislava boss Vladimir Weiss has challenged his side to claim a shock result despite acknowledging the unique atmosphere the Slovak champions will need to deal with.
Brendan Rodgers has refused to accept the ‘narrative’ that Celtic are clear favourites heading into the tie, claiming the Scottish Premiership holders will offer them respect ahead of kick-off like they would any other opponent.
This is Slovan Bratislava’s first time in the Champions League proper, but intriguingly, it isn’t their first time competing against the Hoops on the continental stage. 67 Hail Hail looks at what happened the last time both clubs met in European competition.
The last time Celtic faced Slovan Bratislava
Rewinding to the 1963/64 campaign, Celtic and Slovan Bratislava were drawn against each other in the European Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final, which took place over two legs.
Intriguingly, the Bhoys also defeated league phase opponents Dinamo Zagreb on their run to reach the last eight. They saw off tonight’s visitors 1-0 in the first leg at Celtic Park, with a 71st-minute penalty from Bobby Murdoch enough to hand Jimmy McGrory’s men a slender advantage.
Travelling over to Slovakia, Celtic repeated the trick to progress into the semi-final after club legend John ‘Yogi’ Hughes fired home to secure progression.
Setting up a tie against MTK Budapest for a place in the final, the Hoops were incredibly denied a part in the showpiece occasion after surrendering a 3-0 first-leg lead to the Hungarian outfit.
The eventual finalists turned the tide and roared back with a 4-0 second-leg triumph to book their place in the final two. Following a replay, the Portuguese side lifted the trophy owing to a 1-0 victory in Antwerp.
On record, that is the only time Celtic and Slovan Bratislava have ever crossed paths. Hopefully, the home side can claim a similar result tonight!
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