Football: Celtic go out with heads held high
Times, The (London, England)
November 6, 1986
Author: a Correspondent
Estimated printed pages: 2


Dynamo Kiev ....... 3 Celtic ............ 1 (Kiev win 4-2 on agg)
The sleek skills and lethal finishing of Dynamo Kiev proved too much for Celtic in the European Cup yesterday, but the Scottish champions left the huge Central Stadium with their heads held high.

They had fought bravely in giving the Soviets, who are reckoned to be the best club side in Europe, the fright of their lives and remained in the second round tie with a chance of winning until a minute from the end.

At times, too, their aggressive but well-planned attacks silenced the 100,000 spectators, who filled the stadium on a cold night, and Paul McStay matched many of his more renowned opponents in an elegant performance. Indeed, there was no hint of failure in the Celtic ranks; they lost because they applied such exuberant pressure that they left themselves open at the back in a dramatic second half in which they more then shared the honours.

But there was no disgrace this time in Celtic's dismissal from the tournament, which they won in 1967.

In the first half Bonner was the Celtic saviour, his fine saves and intelligent anticipation baulking the eager Dynamo attack, whose players flitted from defence to attack in kaleidescopic fashion. But the Irish international goalkeeper had no chance when Kiev opened the scoring after 12 minutes; a free kick taken by the veteran Blokhin was floated past him with Brazilian impudence.

McGhee equalized with a fine shot following a spirited run by McLeod.

Celtic were still in command when Kiev emerged from their lethargy to show why they are among the favourites to take Europe's premier trophy. In a quick break, Yakovenko slipped the ball into the Celtic goal from 12 yards as the Scottish defenders vainly played for offside.

Gallantly, Celtic pressed even more briskly as they were well aware that another equalizer would give them the tie on the away goals rule. But they could not match their opponents in finishing power and Yevtushenko, in the closing minutes, scored the goal which assured Dynamo of a place in the third round.

DYNAMO KIEV: V Chanov, A Bal, V Bessonov, S Baltacha, A Demyanenko, P Yakovenko, O Kuznetsov, V Rats (sub: V Gorily), I Belanov (sub: A Mikhailichenko), V Yevtushenko, O Blokhin.

CELTIC: P Bonner, P Grant, R Aitken, D Whyte, M Macleod, P McStay, T Shepherd, B McClair, M Johnston, D McGrain (sub: P O'Leary), M McGhee.


Murdo MacLeod talking about the game in 2004.

"As I recall it was a big problem for us going out there."
"The match took place just after the Chernobyl disaster and a few of our players didn't want to travel. When it was decided that we would go we took all of our own food, water and supplies out there with us, but when we got there it was fine. They were very hospitable and welcoming and we experienced no problems".

"A lot of their players were incredibly talented. Many of them (14 in total) played regularly for the Soviet National side so it was a hard match for us".
"It was a bitterly cold night and the park was only just playable. We'd played well to get the draw at Parkhead but in the away leg they were just too strong for us."
"They were the better side. Their running and movement off the ball was first class and they dragged us all over the park in the first game. We were ready for that by the second game and if I remember right, we lost a couple of late goals but were always in the game and had played good football".

Interview, Match Programme, Celtic -v- Shaktar Donetsk, 2nd November, 2004