Celtic on this Day – McCluskey’s sensational winner against Ajax in Amsterdam

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The Celtic Star

·29. September 2024

Celtic on this Day – McCluskey’s sensational winner against Ajax in Amsterdam

Today’s date is an eventual day in Celtic history with notable wins against Boldklubben 1903, now Copenhagen and also Ajax in Amsterdam…

29 September 1971, Celtic 3-0 Boldklubben 1903. Now, you may be wondering who are Boldklubben? In 1992, Boldklubben merged with Kjobenhavns Boldklub to form the current club FC Copenhagen. Neverthelss, Celtic beat the old club convincingly. Jock Stein’s side were beaten in the 1st leg 2-1 in Denmark. Despite it being a vital 2nd leg tie, Boldklubben player Paul Thyssen was not released from his day job as a carpenter to travel to Glasgow. A Wallace double and Callaghan’s header booked a place in the 2nd round of the European Cup.

42 years ago today, Celtic defeated Ajax at the Olympic Stadium in a historic 2-1 victory in the European Cup 1st round. 3000 Hoops fans travelled to Netherlands following a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park the week prior. Famously wearing the white pin striped Green jerseys, a last-gasp winner through Geroge McCluskey sent the away support into wild celebrations. Ajax had originally moved the game away from their home ground in attempt to gather a large crowd. It worked as the Olympic Stadium was sold-out for the first time in eight years.

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29 September 1965, Celtic impressively hammered Dutch side Go Ahead 6-0 in the European Cup Winners Cup 1st round. The Netherlands gave birth to Jock Stein’s first ever European match as Celtic manager. Dutch side Go Ahead, who were later reformed to Go Ahead Eagles six years later were a part-time side. Thus, the result was half-expected given the calibre of player Celtic had at their exposal since Stein’s arrival. Lennox took the match-ball home with Jinky grabbing a brace. Hughes also added to the scoreline.

17 years ago today, Celtic 3-0 Dundee United. Gordon Strachan’s side moved back to the foot of the Premiership table thanks to a Scott McDonald hat-trick. Focus quickly shifted onto a massive Champions League encounter with AC Milan at Celtic Park on the Wednesday night. McDonald was only getting himself warmed up against the Tangerines…

Conor Spence