Moment in Time: Celtic take the Champions League by storm

Celtic‘s first participation in the Champions League group stages in season 2001/02 was certainly an exciting one. It started with a 3-2 loss in Italy to Juventus, a game which saw the Hoops come back from two-nil down and show great courage.

By the time of the final group stage match, also against Juventus, the Hoops had won two and lost three of their group stage fixtures.

The Bhoys’ chances of reaching the last 16 of the tournament were slim, and three points were needed to try and overhaul Portugal for second place in the group.

The Hoops didn’t get off to the best start in the game, as an Alessandro Del Piero free-kick gave Juventus the lead. Thankfully, the lead didn’t last long, as Lubo Moravcik’s cross was headed home by Joos Valgaeren.

The Hoops then took the lead just before half-time, when Moravick’s corner was powerfully headed home by Chris Sutton. The game then took another twist, as David Trezeguet fired home the equaliser just after half-time to make it two-all.

Once more Celtic roared back. The Hoops went ahead in the game once more when Henrik Larsson scored from the penalty spot after Chris Sutton was fouled.

Then came the moment that people that were at Celtic Park or watching at home will always remember.

In the 64th minute, Celtic were awarded a free-kick. The ball was cleared to the edge of the penalty area, where it was lashed into the back of the net on the volley by Chris Sutton. It was a truly superb goal, and one of the best that Sutton ever scored for the club. It was a goal befitting the Champions League.

Trezeguet scored again for Juventus in the second-half, but the Hoops managed to hold out for a notable 4-3 victory in Europe.

YouTube: #UCL Fixture Flashback: Celtic 4-3 Juventus

Unfortunately, Porto’s win over Rosenborg meant that the Bhoys failed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League at the first attempt, but it was still a highly creditable performances from the club in their debut in the competition.

The match has to go down as one of the best of Chris Sutton’s Celtic career. He caused Juventus all kinds of problems, not only scoring two goals but also winning the penalty for the Hoops’ third goal.

The two goals showcased different sides of Sutton’s game, with the first being a towering header, and the second an excellent volley which showed great technique.

Sutton scored many important goals during his time at the club, but his second against Juventus deserves to be remembered as one of his best.

The Hoops were on an upward trajectory in Europe, which started with the season 2001/02 Champions League campaign.

Just a year later, the club would reach its first European final since 1970. Sutton would play a key part in that run, but that is a story for another time…