In the lead up to this match, you would have got long odds on Celtic recording any kind of result in the Nou Camp.
Neil Lennon’s side played really well and nearly got a priceless point but were denied in the dying stages.
Jordi Alba broke Scottish hearts, pouncing quickest from a cute Adriano cross in the 94th minute to steal a 2-1 victory for Barcelona.
Tactics were spot on
Tito Villanova’s team maintain their 100 per cent record in Group G but it was almost two dropped points for the best club side in the land.
Lennon’s tactics were spot on from the beginning, setting up with a 4-5-1 formation to crowd the midfield and not allow Lionel Messi any space to work his magic.
Plan A nearly was screwed up and thrown in the bin and would have been, if Alexis Sanchez had taken better care of a good opportunity inside the first two minutes.
The Chilean international shot wide when put through on goal.
Celtic survived and on 18 minutes, stunned Europe by scoring from their first attack of any kind.
Scott Brown’s free-kick was whipped into the danger zone and bounced into the net off Javier Mascherano.
Although Georgios Samaras was putting the Argentine under intense pressure and might have got the faintest of touches, the ball seemed to cannon in off the stand-in central defender for an own goal.
It was the stuff dreams were made of and a lead that was held for nearly half an hour.
Just before half-time, the fabulous football that the Catalans usually play led to Andres Iniesta steering the ball past Fraser Forster after exotic one-touch play between him, Messi and Xavi.
Majestic performance from Forster
England’s goalkeeping future seems to be in safe hands though after a majestic performance from Forster.
The former Newcastle player was in inspired form in the second half, repelling Messi from point blank range and then denied the Argentine star again with an acrobatic header when he invaded a high offside line.
Joe Hart might be the number one by some distance for now but in Jack Butland, John Ruddy and Forster, there is plenty of talent that England can call on now.
Substitute David Villa came on and struck a post as Celtic’s goal lived a charmed life.
Their luck ran out in the fourth minute of time added on. Adriano’s wonderful ball to the back post found Alba, who got goal side of James Forrest to provide the decisive touch and beat Forster.
It was a real heartbreaker for Celtic but plenty of pride and plaudits will be taken from this show.
A downbeat but spirited Lennon said: “I’m very proud but I don’t like losing, I never have.
“Barcelona deserved to win on balance, I understand that. We just needed to see out one more attack but it didn’t work out for us.
“I take satisfaction from the performance but I don’t want the players getting carried away because we’re only at the halfway stage.”
It was an extraordinary defensive performance from Celtic, who kept their discipline throughout and deserved a lot more out of the game.
They did ride their luck but despite this late shattering blow against a slightly complacent Barcelona side, there is still a realistic chance of progression for the SPL champions.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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