When it comes to European football, Celtic Football Club is one of the most renowned and successful clubs in Scotland. Over the years, they have competed against numerous teams from various countries, including several memorable encounters against Czech opposition. One such team they faced in European competitions is the Prague-based side, Slavia Prague.
The Rivalry Begins
Celtic’s first encounter with Slavia Prague took place during the 2003-2004 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. The two-legged tie was highly anticipated by both sets of fans as they looked forward to witnessing a fierce battle between two talented teams.
The First Leg
Slavia Prague hosted Celtic for the first leg at their home ground, the Sinobo Stadium. The atmosphere was electric as fans from both sides filled the stadium with chants and cheers. Despite a valiant effort from Celtic, Slavia Prague managed to secure a 1-0 victory with a late goal in the 87th minute.
The Second Leg
The second leg took place at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. The home crowd was determined to see their team overturn the deficit and progress to the next round.
The match was intense, with both teams creating chances throughout. However, neither side managed to find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw. Slavia Prague advanced on aggregate, leaving Celtic disappointed but proud of their performance.
Renewed Rivalry
Years later, Celtic and Slavia Prague faced each other again during the 2020-2021 UEFA Europa League Round of 32. Once more, football enthusiasts eagerly awaited these clashes between two historically competitive clubs.
The First Leg
Celtic traveled to Eden Arena for the first leg encounter against Slavia Prague. Despite dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities, Celtic failed to convert their chances. Slavia Prague capitalized on a defensive error and scored a late equalizer to salvage a 1-1 draw.
The Second Leg
The second leg took place at Celtic Park, where the home crowd hoped for a dramatic turnaround. However, Slavia Prague showcased their strength and resilience, securing a 2-0 victory and progressing to the next round with an aggregate score of 3-1.
Conclusion
Although Celtic has faced Slavia Prague on multiple occasions, the Czech side has proven to be a tough opponent. The encounters between these two teams have been thrilling and filled with excitement for fans of both clubs. While Celtic may not have come out on top in recent meetings, their matches against Slavia Prague have undoubtedly added to the rich tapestry of European football history.