Neil Lennon will forever remember the night in the Eternal City as one of the crowning achievements of his career. It was a time when Celtic took on Lazio, both at home and away, during the 2019 Europa League group stage. On both occasions, they came from behind to secure remarkable victories under Lennon’s guidance.
As the two teams prepare to meet again on Champions League duty in Glasgow, the former Celtic manager reminisces about those unforgettable nights. At the time, Lazio was a formidable opponent, sitting second in Serie A.
Comeback Win in Glasgow
The atmosphere at Celtic Park for their first group encounter against Lazio was electric and inspiring, as Lennon recalls. However, Lazio’s Manuel Lazzari managed to silence the home crowd with a 40th-minute opener. In response, Lennon made a pivotal decision to change the formation from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2, effectively matching up against Lazio.
This tactical shift worked wonders for Celtic, preventing Lazio from imposing themselves further on the game. “It was an important call, it was the right call,” Lennon noted. The turning point came when Ryan Christie leveled the score in the 67th minute. Then, in the dying moments of the match, Christopher Jullien headed the winner from a corner delivered by Christie.
Lennon praised Jullien’s performance, highlighting his aerial prowess, saying, “He could be a threat, and he was very good in both boxes aerially.” The French defender’s perfectly timed run and Jullien’s connection with the ball resulted in a memorable win for Celtic.
Italian Job Follows a Similar Pattern
When Celtic traveled to Rome for the return leg, they aimed to break a record of never having beaten an Italian side away in 13 attempts. The atmosphere was charged, with parts of Lazio’s stadium closed due to the behavior, including racism, of some supporters. Lennon and Celtic made it clear that they would support the players should they leave the pitch in the event of any discriminatory chanting.
Lennon described their preparations, including an early arrival in Rome and a visit to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican. The team was eager to play when the game finally came around.
Despite a shaky start, Celtic found their rhythm, with James Forrest scoring a fantastic equalizer. They matched Lazio for the remainder of the game and secured a perfectly-timed winner in the fifth minute of injury-time, courtesy of Olivier Ntcham.
Lennon regarded this outcome as “one of the results of my career as a player or a manager.” The memorable night in Rome was a testament to Celtic’s determination and resilience.
As for the current iterations of Celtic and Lazio, Lennon noted Lazio’s experienced coach Maurizio Sarri and the presence of some players from the 2019 era. He emphasized Celtic’s goal-scoring ability and the belief in goalkeeper Joe Hart’s performance.
As Celtic and Lazio prepare to face off once again in the Champions League, memories of their past encounters continue to fuel anticipation for what promises to be another exhilarating night of football.
(Article by ChatGPT, based on Neil Lennon’s interview with BBC Scotland’s Kenny Macintyre)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Europa League Triumphs
Q: What were the key moments in Celtic’s victories over Lazio in the 2019 Europa League?
A: The key moments in Celtic’s victories over Lazio included a dramatic comeback win in Glasgow, where they changed their formation to secure a late winner, and an equally thrilling match in Rome, featuring a fantastic equalizer and a last-minute winner. These moments showcased Celtic’s resilience and determination.
Q: Who were the standout players during these matches?
A: Christopher Jullien was a standout player for Celtic, delivering a crucial late winner with his aerial ability. James Forrest also made a significant impact with his fantastic equalizer in the match in Rome. Neil Lennon praised these players for their contributions.
Q: What was the atmosphere like at Celtic Park during the first encounter with Lazio?
A: The atmosphere at Celtic Park was electric and inspiring, as mentioned by Neil Lennon. It played a crucial role in raising the team’s performance and motivation, ultimately leading to a memorable comeback win.
Q: How did Celtic prepare for the match in Rome?
A: Celtic’s preparations included arriving in Rome a day earlier than usual, allowing the players to rest and explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican. This relaxed approach helped them to be in the right mindset for the crucial game.
Q: What did Neil Lennon think of the overall significance of these victories?
A: Neil Lennon regarded the victories over Lazio in 2019 as some of the most significant results in his career, both as a player and a manager. These wins showcased Celtic’s determination and resilience against strong opposition.
Q: How do the current Celtic and Lazio teams compare to those from 2019?
A: Neil Lennon mentioned that Lazio still has an experienced coach, Maurizio Sarri, and some players from the 2019 era. He emphasized Celtic’s goal-scoring ability and expressed confidence in goalkeeper Joe Hart’s performance as they prepare to face Lazio in the Champions League again.
3 comments
Celtic prepped for Rome with some sightseein’, now that’s how you blend culture with football, love it!
wow, those Celtic vs Lazio games sound amazing, comebacks, and late goals, that’s the juice of football right there!
Lennon talkin’ ’bout football, but I’m here for the music! Still, cool story, mate.