NOW ANGE CAN SPELL SUCCESS
CELTIC fans unfurled a Countdown-themed banner to dig up UEFA for the ridiculous kick-off time.
But it was couple of nineletter words that made sure the Hoops solved the Europa League conundrum against Ferencvaros.
The first was no surprise. Furuhashi always spells danger. But the second was one we didn’t know Ange Postecoglou had in his vocabulary – defending.
Kyogo could have been stuck in the house watching Carol Vorderman and Co until he pulled one from the top drawer to send Celts on their way.
David Turnbull helped force an OG second but this was the afternoon where the Celtic manager showed another side to his game.
It was still pretty much all-out attack from the Hoops and it should have finished up at least five after missing a succession of second-half sitters.
But while the school bell hadn’t been sounded when this game kicked off, there were signs the boss and his players are learning.
Celts were disciplined and organised. They blew Ferencvaros away while – mostly – limiting the usual heartstopping moments at the back.
There were still a few. But when Callum McGregor missed the penalty to go two up, Postecoglou stuck on Giorgos Giakoumakis to give his side an outball with Nir Bitton and Liam Scales to shore up and safeguard the win.
The clean sheet was just as key as if Celtic can keep the back door shut then quality like Jota and Furuhashi – who sensationally combined for the opener – will hurt any side.
The mindblowing ball from Jota was worth the admission alone. The awkward time didn’t seem to put off the punters with more than 50,000 managing to make it. Even the Albanian president Ilir Meta got over in time to represent the Adriatic Celtic Supporters’ Club in person after hailing the Hoops from afar for years.
A few Glasgow gaffers would have been left a tad suspicious at so many folk getting a dodgy belly at the same time. In fairness, this clash probably did have a few tummies turning.
The sight of Ferencvaros is enough to give Hoops fans the cold sweats.
Last season’s Champions League qualifying defeat in the one-off tie at a ghostly Parkhead set off a chain reaction of events that have taken Celtic to where they are today.
There might be some parallel universe where Neil Lennon is still in charge, Peter Lawwell is hosting the 10-in-a-row festival and Postecoglou only tunes in to see how Tom Rogic is doing.
But back in this reality, Lennon is long gone, along with most of the offenders from last August and Postecoglou’s interest in Rogic is more pressing.
The Aussie boss has struggled with the numbers game this year. But now he’s ignited the Europa League campaign after opening defeats by Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen.
No one expected it to be this straight forward. Revenge was sweet for Celtic fans.
A year ago the Hungarians went on to beat Dinamo Zagreb and Molde to reach the group stage. This season they pushed Betis and Bayer all the way but they were battered by Celtic.
Jota’s display had folk reaching for a thesaurus for other ways to say brilliant. The same could be said for Kyogo, who had a quiet night until he raised the roof with his goal.
McGregor’s spot-kick would have ensured an early finish but Turnbull made goal No.2 after a fresh air swipe on the way.
Postecoglou finally found the balance he’s been looking for.