Celtic on this Day – A late Virgil van Dijk winner kickstarts the Ronny Roar

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The Celtic Star

·9 novembre 2024

Celtic on this Day – A late Virgil van Dijk winner kickstarts the Ronny Roar

Celtic on this Day, the day the Ronny Roar was created, plus great goals from Shaun Maloney, Bobo Balde and Lubomir Moravcik…

Virgil van Dijk – Mikael Lustig, Aberdeen v Celtic, Pittodrie, 9 November 2014. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

9 November 2014 – Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic

Mikael Lustig, Aberdeen v Celtic, Pittodrie, 9 November 2014. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

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10 years ago today, Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic. Virgil Van Dijk’s last gasp winner at Pittdorie not only sealed an underperforming Hoops side going top of the table with a game in hand but it gave birth to the ‘Ronny Roar.’ Alan Muir sent off skipper Scott Brown for a harsh second booking. Shay Logan was also sent off after the game for something he said in the referee room.

The Ronny Roar – Mikael Lustig, Aberdeen v Celtic, Pittodrie, 9 November 2014. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

A lot of emotion poured out from Ronny Deila when celebrating with the travelling support. In his post-match presser, when asked about his thoughts about Celtic’s crucial victory, the Norwegian said “it was orgasmic, if I can say that. Maybe even better than that! I am very proud of the team. To celebrate today with the players and the fans was fantastic.”

A young Callum McGregor – Aberdeen v Celtic, Pittodrie, 9 November 2014. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

If ever was there a summation of Ronny it was that quote. A wonderful character but sadly he was not cut out to be manager of Celtic.

Continued on the next page…Celtic v Rangers

9 November 2005, Celtic 2-0 Rangers

9 November 2005, Celtic 2-0 Rangers. The Hoops secured a place in the CIS Insurance Cup semi-final which flipped the pressure on Alex McLeish ten-fold. Gordon Strachan initially started slowly as Celtic boss which included suffering a derby defeat at Ibrox in August was now displaying increasingly positive signs given his side won nine of their 10 league matches thereafter.

From a historical perspective, it was possibly this encounter that became the turning point for Strachan so early on into his tenure. Shaun Maloney’s moment of magic from 30 yards gave Celtic the lead on 26 minutes. Greek centre-back Sotirious Kyrgiakos was sent off in the second half for a second yellow after sarcastically clapping Celtic supporters much to the dismay of experienced referee Kenny Clark.

What was funnier was that Kyrgiakos was smiling as he trudged off the park which seemed to anger McLeish further, A miserable night for Rangers was compounded when Stefan Klos was more concerned with trying to get out the road of the onrushing Bobo Balde rather than looking at the ball which hit off Klos and went into the back of his net for Celtic’s second. Famously, Strachan’s men would go onto lift the Scottish League Cup in season 2005/2006 beating Dunfermline 3-0 in the final.

Continued on the next page…Celtic v Bordeaux

9 November 2000, Celtic 1-2 Bordeaux – AET

9 Nov 2000: Lubo Moravcik of Celtic shoots past David Sommeil of Bordeaux to score during the UEFA Cup Second Round, Second Leg match between Celtic and Bordeaux played at Celtic Park. Photo Mark Thompson/ALLSPORT

9 November 2000, Celtic 1-2 Bordeaux – AET. Martin O’Neill’s side suffered late European heartbreak as a Lilian Laslandes double continued Celtic’s cursed 18-year run in the UEFA Cup of failing to reach the third round.

A 1-1 draw in France two weeks prior set the tie up for an exciting clash at Celtic Park. The game in Glasgow had been played with a huge amount of technical skill on show on a night where O’Neill’s men were disappointed not to progress.

Laslandes winning strike in extra time which flew straight into the top right hand corner overshadowed Lubo’s beautiful half-volley finish which opened the scoring in the second leg. Bordeaux would go onto beat Bundesliga outfit Werder Breman in round three but departed the UEFA Cup in the last 16 as Spanish side Rayo Vallecano hammered Girondins 6-1 on aggregate.

Conor Spence