Celtic 1-1 Spartak Moskva (4-3 pen): Boruc Shines

By: JT | August 29th, 2007

Its official. There is no longer any doubt. Artur Boruc is world class. There is no reason to deny it, or think otherwise. Boruc saved two of Spartak Moskva’s penalties in the decisive shoot out, and pretty much kept the Hoops in the tie with some splendid goalkeeping, especially in the first half.

These teams were even. In the first half Celtic should have scored through Scott McDonald, but failed to do so. Spartak were awarded what could only be deemed as an absurd penalty, when the ball ricocheted off of a prone Gary Caldwell’s arm from Boruc’s save of Welliton. Then Roman Pavluchenko sent Boruc the wrong way only to smash his shot off the left post.

You had the feeling it was Celtic’s day, and soon after, as always seems to happen, the Bhoys pounced. After a bit of a scramble in the Spartak box, Massimo Donati attempted a volley toward goal, sent it directly to a Spartak defender who also attempted a volley. This one went straight to McDonald, who slotted home the opener.

Play settled down a bit, and Spartak brought the tie even again after more confusion in the Celtic defense. Pavluchenko hung out at the back post on a corner, controlled with his chest, mocked two Celtic defenders, and squeezed a shot past Boruc.

At the end of the first period, Boruc and Lee Naylor got into a bit of a lover’s tiff for all the world to see. Naylor allowed a ball to needlessly cross the end line for a Spartak corner, which curiously was never taken as the ref called time. Boruc violated Naylor’s comfort zone and vice versa. Considering Boruc and Stephen McManus were consistently covering for Naylor’s lack of pace, it wasn’t surprising to see Boruc frustrated with the Englishman. Good news, as WGS forced them to kiss and make up in the locker room at the intermission. Airing dirty laundry in public is just unacceptable, says the wee ginger one.

The second stanza was was up-and-down, back-and-forth, and then Martin Stranzl added further intrigue when he body checked Nakamura as he was heading toward goal with only the keeper to beat. Immediate red card, and deservedly so. It was 11 vs 10.

Nakamura decided to disregard all he was taught about finishing as regular time wound down, fluffing at least three winners to the dismay of the Celtic faithful. On to extra time.

Spartak were playing for penalties it seemed, yet Celtic left the door open for some counter-attacking action. With five minutes left in extra time, Celtic were awarded a penalty for a handball in the box which was a pretty fair decision in my estimation. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink then destroyed the crossbar with his penalty, and on to the shoot-out we went.

All the Celts except Nakamura were golden, and two weak Spartak penalties were saved by Boruc as pandemonium took hold of Parkhead. A beautiful sight!

Spartak Moskva were more than a match for the Celts, and today the clubs put on a wonderful display for supporters and neutrals alike. I honestly think its a shame that Spartak were unable to make the group stages, as they surely are one of the most deserving 32 sides in Europe.

It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t perfect, but it sure does taste sweet!