FROM NEIL DOHERTY IN MOSCOW: It’s barely believable – and I mean no disrespect to the Hoops – but Celtic have WON AWAY in the Champions League.
Neil Lennon’s braves came from behind to beat Spartak Moscow here 3-2 to take three precious points home to Glasgow.
No wonder Neil was smiling his head off afterwards.
Gary Hooper’s lovely goal in the 12th minute had the travelling fans on song.
But the hosts came back and tap-ins by Emmanuel Emenike either side of half-time put Spartak in front.
However the game swung in Celtic’s favour again in the 62nd minute Juan Insaurralde hauled down Hooper as he looked set to score and was set off for a professional foul.
Dmitri Kombarov’s own goal drew Celtic level in the 70th minute – and a minute later former Hoops man Aiden McGeady was taken off as the home side looked to shore up the defence.
But just seconds before the 90th minute up popped the brilliant Georgios Samaras to home Emilio Izaguirre’s cross.
Neil Lennon’s side move onto four points in Group G with the Russians pointless after two matches.
The first group stage win away in 19 attempts sets Celtic up for a double-header against Barcelona, starting at Camp Nou on 23 October.
We did actually draw there once – thanks to John Hartson.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but it has been one smashing night in Moscow.
And Neil Lennon agrees.
“I am probably the proudest man in Europe tonight,” said Lennon.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the players, they were magnificent. They played magnificent football at a very tough venue against an excellent side.
“They showed great character and fortitude to come back after going behind just after half-time. I thought we thoroughly deserved to win it.
“We didn’t start the game particularly well, we looked a bit nervous and our passing wasn’t there for the first five or 10 minutes but we had a quick break and scored a good goal.
“I have to say I thought Gary Hooper was world class tonight. I thought he was just magnificent and the catalyst for a lot of good things we did tonight.
“People keep asking me about him playing for England, well I think he showed how good he is tonight.
“But there were so many good performances, Izaguirre, Ambrose, Wilson, Brown, Samaras came on to a game, Commons got stronger as the game went on, James Forrest came on and gave us pace and quality.
“I think people underestimate Celtic. I don’t think we get the respect we deserve but maybe tonight’s performance might change a few attitudes.”
The Hoops boss says he and his players will keep their feet on the ground.
“We just have to play Barcelona home and away,” he said with a smile.
“It is a huge step for the club. It is our first away win in the Champions League so we have broken a record. It is fantastic but there is a lot of football to be played in the group.
“We have two home games and Benfica and Barcelona away so it is still an open group for second place as far as I am concerned. We are still novices in this tournament but a few more performances like that wouldn’t do us any harm at all.
“Every one of the players was a credit to the club tonight.”
