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While most Scottish thirty-somethings were at home spending time with the grandkids, Scott Brown led an experienced Celtic team to victory against Swedish side Malmö FF who are enjoying their second consecutive run among Europe’s elite (and Celtic.)
A dear friend of mine is a hardcore Malmö FF fan and, looking at my prediction earlier in the week for this game, it’s safe to say none of his knowledge has rubbed off on me. Although Malmö on their day are an extremely exciting and prolific side in front of goal, I predicted Celtic would use their experience, physicality and canniness to really choke life out the game, like Charlie Adam did Sanchez. 1-0 Celtic, I thought. And although there was only one goal in it metaphorically speaking, the preceding 90 minutes were far from lifeless.
The problem with Swedes (a sentence you hear so often..) is they’re a bit nice. Their people have a sweet playful disposition which from the point of view of a hateful Briton could be construed as a naïvety or a fragility. This was arguably demonstrated in Malmö FF goalkeeper, Johan Wiland’s, post-match comments: ‘They are pigs, all of them.’
One can only imagine the mixture of disgust and concern running through their pretty little heads as Scotland’s only team fired home a goal after just 120 seconds of play. It was a ferocious start from the hosts, and Åge Hareide’s men were left wondering how Odin could have given life to such alarmingly barbarous and malnourished creatures. Then, just 7 minutes later, Nir Bitton headed home a Stefan Johansen cross to make it 2-0.
Malmö started the second half, as did Celtic, and managed to pull one back, only to concede 10 minutes later at the hands (head) of Leigh Griffiths. The score remained 3-1 until the 90’ minute when the ever industrious Inge slotted home his close range effort following a late Malmö corner.
Inge's goal has kept Malmö in a tie that was all but over before it had began (which is impossible as we have discussed in a previous post.) The tie is now beautifully poised, Malmö have a lifeline and a second chance, an opportunity to give a fair account of themselves.
Knowing they need nothing but a win this time around, we will hopefully see the Malmö we all know and love, playing direct, fast attacking football without inhibition. Furthermore, the Swedbank Stadion faithful are enough to make Palace fans look like the tedious middle-class embarrassments they are. And they’re not used to seeing their side lose. Reigning domestic champions Malmö have won their last three Allsvenskan fixtures, all at home, scoring a total of 7 goals in the process.
In truth it could go either way which is what makes the prospect of this return leg so exciting. Celtic will of course be looking to call upon all of their experience and childish shirt pulling to see this one out. However, Malmö at home is a daunting proposition for any team, particularly one operating within the fine margins Celtic now find themselves. If Malmö and their fans can quickly get used to the sight, smell and tactics of the Celtic players - players who according to Malmö defender Rasmus Bentgsson, 'talk too much' - I believe Malmö have every chance to overwhelm their godless visitors and drive them from their fair city; prevailing reports will read more like a passage from The Book of Revlations; a war in heaven (Malmö), in which the angels (Malmö FF) banish the devil and his fallen angels (Deila and Celtic FC) to hell (Scotland.) Alright?
Prediction: Malmö FF 2-1 Celtic
GITG
Some Champions League bants:
Some Champions League bants:
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