Goal-den Bhoys delighted to play their part in UCL win | OneFootball

Celtic had to wait until the 85th minute to get the reward for their endeavours against YB Bern on Wednesday night, but the goal was enough to give Brendan Rodgers’ side a 1-0 victory and, more importantly, a place in the play-off stage of the Champions League.

The goal was fashioned by a piece of Reo Hatate magic, as the midfielder created space on the left touchline before playing a left-footed pass from the halfway line through to Adam Idah just outside the area.

The Irish striker latched on to the ball and raced through on goal, and though his initial effort was saved, the ball cannoned off YB Basel captain, Loris Benito, and spun into the net.

Remarkably, it replicated the scoreline from when the sides last met at Celtic Park, back in September 1993, when it also took an own goal to give the Hoops a 1-0 win on the night.

That was in the UEFA Cup, but just over 31 years later, the victory came in the UEFA Champions League and ensured progress in the prestigious competition for Celtic, who have won three, drawn three and lost just once so far this season in the Champions League.

They have one more league-phase game – an away tie against Aston Villa next Wednesday – before they will find out their play-off opponents.

For the two men who combined for Celtic’s winning goal against YB Bern, they were delighted with the result and the reward it has brought, as they both told Celtic TV after the game.

Adam Idah

‘It’s unbelievable. It was one of our goals at the start of the season. We’ve been fantastic in this campaign, we’ve got here now and there’s still more to come and we’re all looking forward to it.'

Reo Hatate

‘I’ve very happy to get to the next round. It was a difficult game so I’m happy to win the game.’

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