MESSY IN THE
MESTALLA
we’ve shown over the last week or so in terms of our video with the players. We’ve shown them where we were good, sometimes that gets lost in the result.
“But there were parts we started with real confidence and stability, we had a little period of six or seven minutes where we gave the ball away cheaply and we learned you can’t do that at this level against good players.
“I don’t think we made them look better than they are. They are up there with the third, fourth best teams in Spain. If you are that in one of the top European leagues, you’re all right. If you’re bringing someone off the bench at 40-odd million euros you’re doing fine.
“They are a really good side. If you’re drawing games against Barcelona it tells you the level they’re at. Sometimes they get undervalued by others but within football, and me, we know they are a good side.”
The question tonight is, will Celtic’s best be good enough to pull this tie out the fire? Rodgers said: “It would give us an opportunity. That’s our message.
“We are going into it feeling we can work our way into the game. Initially we need to make sure we’re right and organised.
“But what’s critical – and what we’ve probably suffered in over the last few years – is we make mistakes.
“We all recognise we stand a much better chance at a place like this if we have all our best players available.
“That’s the reality but if we don’t we have to look to find a way. For us the first goal will be important but if we CELTIC will have to make history tonight if they’re to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League – no Scottish side have ever won at the Mestalla.
The Hoops have to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit after their defeat in Glasgow when they travel to face a talented Valencia outfit.
But they don’t have history on their side.
Scottish teams have visited the Mestalla on eight occasions and have yet to taste victory.
In fact, only Rangers have managed to avoid defeat at the stadium – and that was 40 years ago when Tommy McLean netted against a Valencia side managed by the great Alfredo di Stefano in a 1-1 draw.
1962, Fairs Cup rd 1: Valencia 4, CELTIC 2.
1962, FC R2: Valencia 4, DUNFERMLINE 0.
1963, FC QF: Valencia 5, HIBS 0.
1965, FC R1: Valencia 2, 0 HIBS 0.
1979, Cup Winners’ Cup R2: Valencia 1, RANGERS 1.
1999, Champions League Group Stage: Valencia 2, RANGERS 0.
2001, UEFA Cup R32: Valencia 1, CELTIC 0.
2010, CL Group Stage: Valencia 3, RANGERS 0.
‘I’m old enough to remember when our top clubs condemned foreign refs and said Scottish refs were among the best in the world’
work our way in and make it difficult – and play with a speed and confidence with the ball and score – then it’s a different mentality within the game. “It doesn’t even have to be an early goal but if we can get the first goal that will be important.” It wouldn’t be the first time after all. Last season Celtic opened the scoring in Paris – only to end up on the wrong end of another Champions League mauling. Rodgers smiled and said: “Against PSG we probably scored the earliest consolation goal in the history of football! “But we come here with that belief we can get a result. That’s why we generally start games well, we have belief and motivation.” They also stated Scottish referees were among the best in the world. It’s changed days just because of a few dodgy decisions our top clubs don’t like.”
said: “Being booked for celebrating a goal seems a stupid rule along with taking your shirt off. But if Scott Brown is guilty and got booked surely his team-mates who followed him over the barrier should have been booked as well.”
said: “Caller Alistair Cook said Celtic should be docked points for the behaviour of their fans at Rugby Park as it’s the only way Rangers are going to get back in the title race.
“What next? Dock Aberdeen for wearing red or dock Hearts because they’re finding form again?”
said: “I’m carrying some bruises after the surge at Rugby Park threw hundreds of Celtic supporters forward. The seats were damaged in the celebrations not by vandalism.
“Also some supporters jumped the hoarding to escape the crush. I’m sure If Kilmarnock proceed with charging Celtic for the repairs quite a few supporters could give Digby Brown a call.”
emailed: “I can’t believe the Rangers manager said his team lacked fighting spirit and the right mentality in games at Kilmarnock and at home to St Johnstone. It says everything about his squad.
“If that’s the case it’s nowhere near good enough and they need clearing out.
emailed: “If Alfredo Morelos cut out his shenanigans he wouldn’t be highlighted so much on Sportscene.”
emailed: “The notion that Celtic can go to Spain and beat Valencia on their home patch are totally without foundation.
“The best they can hope for is that Valencia don’t change up a gear and completely humiliate them.” CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY FROM 11 TILL 12 NOON on: 0141 309 3306 or email us: hotline@dailyrecord.co.uk