No couch-potatoing here, but the first competitive game of the season at Celtic Park as the first of four Champions League qualifiers was safely negotiated.
The game was won in the opening twenty minutes as Dembele shrugged aside several defenders to score from the edge of the box, then slotted in a penalty (which was a very soft one, although not as soft as the one which got Rosenborg through against Valur - wow). The fact that Jozo Simunovic got himself sent off in between these two goals was almost an aside, an offence which may have more influence on the team next week when he is suspended that it did here. If he meant to do what he did then it was definitely a red and he is an idiot. However, it looked more mistimed than malicious, in which case it was harsh. Especially when the guy who elbowed Kieran Tierney only got a yellow. Any lingering doubts were ended when Edouard sent Forrest off on a run and he scored with aplomb.
The second period was a bit of a non-event, the real downside being Moussa Dembele's departure with what appears to be a tight hamstring.
A sell out crowd with no away supporters (apparently the two sitting on their own in the away section were actually Celtic fans), although quite a few empty seats due to season ticket holders not turning up. The new floodlights were switched on at half-time, and 50,000 people said "oooh!". They do look brighter, even on a summer's evening, but we won't get the full effect until the dark nights arrive. The pitch too is looking superb. An enjoyable evening out all round, and two games against Rosenborg to come home and away on the next two Wednesdays.
No Celtic game at the weekend, and not much on TV either. The Hibs Europa League second leg against Runavik is on Premier Sports tonight, but not even they can Hibs this one. Sky have got a couple of Under-19 European Championships matches on Friday and on Saturday at 3 o'clock BT are showing Raith Rovers vs Hearts in the League Cup with Dundee vs Dunfermline at the same time on Sunday. Apart from that there are some Chinese Super League and MLS games. Told you it was slim pickings.
One game stands out though - Man Utd vs Celtic Under-19s, taking place in Coleraine. You can watch this on Saturday at 5pm on the BBC Red Button, online at www.bbc.co.uk/sportni or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uniladmag
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