Tom Rogic of Celtic is challenged by IIkay Gundogan
Tom Rogic of Celtic is challenged by IIkay Gundogan of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Manchester City FC at Celtic Park on September 28, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Ten years ago tonight, Celtic Park witnessed one of the great Champions League nights of the modern era as Brendan Rodgers’ side went head to head with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in an unforgettable draw.
City arrived in Glasgow having won all ten competitive matches under Guardiola, but Celtic refused to be intimidated\. Moussa Dembélé struck after just three minutes before Fernandinho equalised, only for Celtic to regain the lead when Kieran Tierney’s effort was diverted home by Raheem Sterling. Sterling responded to make it 2-2 before the interval.
IIkay Gundogan of Manchester City
IIkay Gundogan of Manchester City takes on Scott Brown and Kolo Toure of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Manchester City FC at Celtic Park on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Within seconds of the restart, Dembélé produced a magnificent improvised finish to send Paradise into bedlam. Nolito eventually restored parity, but Celtic stood firm as City pushed for a winner.
It finished 3\-3, ending Guardiola’s perfect start in England\. More importantly, Celtic had shown they belonged on that stage — matching one of Europe’s richest sides with courage, intensity and attacking ambition\.
ON THIS DAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2016
Celtic 3-3 Manchester City – European Cup
Stan Collymore (Journo, ex-player): “Brilliant Celtic fans, just brilliant! Best atmosphere in these islands by a million miles!”
Goals – Dembele 3’ 47’ Sterling 20 og ☘️☘️ https://t.co/5vlFz1Xzom
— Willie Collow (@CollowWillie) September 28, 2026
Before the game, there was a memorable atmosphere as the players came out and the UCL anthem blared out.
Celtic getting ready to play Man City in the UCL, we were told to expect a tasting but it didn’t work out that way. The 12th man played a vital part that night. https://t.co/K0lY4Xsg3m
— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog_09) February 4, 2021
It feels a fair distance away from where the club are now.
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Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr
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