Memory Lane : Salzburg V Celtic

When you think of the date September 18th 2014, you’ll be forgiven for not associating it with a Celtic game in Austria, considering we played this Europa League tie on a night when Scotland’s vote to be independent was decided.

The country, as predicted, ultimately bottled it and ensured we were kept under UK rule for the rest of our lives.

Before that vote was decided, an under fire Celtic team put in a decent performance to claim a credible draw against a side who, ultimately, were there for the taking, but considering the start we had made to our season under Ronny Deila, a point was something we were content with.

The scoring was opened by Wakaso ‘Eid’ Mubarak, who drilled a superb angled effort past Gulacsi from 20 yards, before Alan equalised when our defence had an all too regular meltdown at that stage in the season.

Had it not been for Craig Gordon, we’d have been battered by half time, but we held out and Scott Brown lashed in a volley that went in with the aid of a deflection on the hour mark.

More Gordon heroics denied Salzburg, but Soriano smashed in a superb freekick to level affairs.

The last ten minutes were end to end, with either side capable of going onto win it, but we held out in the end to claim a share of the spoils.

Tonight’s Salzburg team are considerably better than the one we faced four years ago. Unbeaten in two years at home, and reached the EL Semi Final stage last season, having being narrowly edged out by eventual runners up Marseille, so this will be a massive test tonight.

Celtic, however, are also a better side than the rookies they had been at that level under Deila, with a far more solid defence and midfield than we had four years ago.

TJDS SHOOT PREDICTION : Salzburg 1-1 Celtic