They Played At Paradise

THIS week we profile another player wo, at his peak, was arguably the best player on the planet and one who performed on the hallowed turf of Paradise on no fewer than three occasions. He has won the greatest prizes in both club and international football in playing for Europe’s top clubs as well as the Brazilian international side – Ronaldinho.

- Joe Sullivan

WHEN DID HE PLAY AT PARADISE?

On March 11, 2004 in the fourth round of the UEFA Cup. Barcelona came to Celtic Park and the game was one of the most memorable matches ever to be played at Paradise (at that time!). Three players were sent off in a dramatic twist to the game – two for Barcelona - Thiago Motta and Javier Saviola - and goalkeeper, Robert Douglas for Celtic. Motta and Douglas didn’t return after the break after an ugly clash in the tunnel at half-time, so Martin O’Neill replaced Craig Beattie, who was enjoying his first senior start at Celtic Park, with 19-year-old David Marshall in goal. Midfielder, Alan Thompson scored a stunning 59th-minute volley after Henrik Larsson headed Stiliyan Petrov’s long ball across goal and the Englishman scored at close range.

SO HOW DID CELTIC FARE AT THE NOU CAMP?

The game ended goal-less and Celtic went through to the last eight. The night undeniably belonged to two Celtic youngsters - David Marshall who had only made his debut earlier in the month and defender John Kennedy - who both played superbly for the Hoops. Marshall was excellent in goal and produced a string of stunning saves, which helped to take Celtic on to the next stage of the UEFA Cup. John Kennedy also played remarkably well during the match. Just one week later, he suffered the horrendous injury while playing for Scotland against Romania that would cut short his playing career – but which ultimately helped lead to his coaching role with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park today.

SO WAS THAT TIE RONALDINHO’S ONLY EXPERIENCE OF CELTIC PARK?