Ronny Deila’s time at Celtic wasn’t all plain sailing.
The Norwegian arrived as a complete unknown and spent two years at the helm before being replaced by Brendan Rodgers.
He won three trophies in his two years, contributing to the Hoops’ run of nine league titles in a row. But in both of his seasons, he failed to qualify for the Champions League.
His first qualifying campaign was marked by a run of ties played at Murrayfield due to the Commonwealth Games. After defeating KR Reykjavik, up next was a tie against Polish champions Legia Warsaw.
What followed was one of the Hoops’ most infamous European ties ever – and Virgil van Dijk was asked about it after Liverpool’s Champions League win against Real Madrid.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk on facing Legia Warsaw against Celtic
The first leg was an absolute disaster – despite Callum McGregor putting the Celts in front, Legia went on to score four. They incredibly missed two penalties on the night too.
Back in Edinburgh, Celtic had to win by at least three goals – but another dismal performance saw Legia win 2-0. It looked like the Hoops were out – but then football won.
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Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Credit: Amazon Prime Sport
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Legia fielded an ineligible player (suspended Bartosz Bereszynski) in the second leg, and despite the defender just making a brief substitute appearance, the Celts were handed a default 3-0 win, going through on away goals.
In true Celtic fashion, they then lost in the final qualifier against Maribor, dropping into the Europa League anyway.
And after Liverpool’s Champions League win against Real Madrid, former forward Michal Zyro, who scored twice in the tie for Legia, asked van Dijk about his memory of it for Canal Plus Sport.
Zyro: “You asked me earlier where I’m from – Poland. Interestingly, I’d like to add at the end that I don’t know if you know, but we’re meeting for the second time. We played against each other in the Legia – Celtic match.”
Van Dijk: “I remember that match. The atmosphere was incredible. Everyone in the stands was dressed in white. Did you play there? And now you’re an expert? Nice to see you.”
Zyro: “I can say that I scored two goals in that two-legged tie.”
Van Dijk: “Haha. Do you have the recording? It’s really nice to meet you. So back then you scored two goals, and now you’re interviewing me.”
Zyro: “Yes, then I joined Wolves, but later I suffered a serious knee injury.”
Van Dijk: “I’m sorry to hear that, but it’s really a great pleasure to be able to talk with you now.”
On that night in Warsaw, few could’ve seen Van Dijk becoming one of the best defenders of his generation.
What happened to other players from Celtic’s Champions League team against Legia Warsaw now?
McGregor’s goal in the tie was one of his first ever for Celtic. Back then he was a wide forward, and he now captains Martin O’Neill’s side from the base of midfield.
Jo Inge Berget was also in the Hoops’ starting lineup. Ineffective in Glasgow, the Norwegian midfielder went on to knock the Hoops out of the qualifiers again the following season, in the colours of Malmo.
Teemu Pukki wasn’t a successful signing for Celtic but would go on to star for Norwich and establish himself as a legend of the Finnish national team.
Stefan Johansen would go on to win player of the year that season, and retired from professional football last year.