Celtic Memories: Beating Juventus in 1981 | OneFootball

The second match of the Celtic memories series goes back to September 1981. It was then that we hosted Juventus in the first leg of the opening round of the European Cup… and beat them.

Paradise was packed with a crowd exceeding 60,000. The fans had of course come to see Celtic play against huge opposition on the greatest stage, but there was added excitement with Liam Brady playing for Juve, having joined the Italians from Arsenal in the close season.

Celtic flew out the traps and took Juventus by surprise with the intensity of their play, backed by a ferocious crowd on the terraces. In typical Italian style, Juventus sat deep and soaked up pressure. They managed the game well and stifled most Celtic attacks, choosing to hit on the counter.

Brady pulled strings in midfield, but Tommy Burns was equally impressive in that area of the pitch for Celtic.

The only goal of the game came in the 67th minute. A corner from Davie Provan was cleared as far as Roy Aitken. His shot rebounded out to Murdo MacLeod, whose powerful low shot was deflected past Dino Zoff. Celtic Park erupted, with a surge across the Jungle and jubilation all around the stadium.

It almost got even better in the closing stages, when George McCluskey was bundled from behind by Brio inside the penalty area, but play was waved on by the referee. A spot kick and possible two goal lead to take to Turin could have been decisive. However, any victory over such opposition is warmly received and the energy and tenacity to overcome a great side like Juve was celebrated in the stands. Although, few were surprised when the Italian giants put Celtic out with a 2-0 win in Turin two weeks later.

What are your memories of that fantastic first leg in Paradise?