11:58-Ok back with turkey sandwich. The amount of turkey I put on it is a little small but I made up for it with two, count ‘em, two pieces of swiss. Yeah, I’m that bad ass. Onto non-lunchmeat related news, I really like the Champions League theme, but playing on a loop for two minutes straight is a bit annoying. No highlight of last year, UEFA? Looking at the pots, my ideal group for Celtic would be Lyon, PSV, Celtic, and BATE.

12:01-Who is Melanie Vinegar and why should I put my hands together for her? She’s cute though, but the schmuck she’s with is not worthy to be on the stage with her. Oh good, a look back on last year…DAMN IT UEFA, I HAVE CLASS AT 1:30 AND I SKIP ENOUGH CLASSES FOR CELTIC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GAMES ALREADY! GET TO THE F$&%ING DRAW!

12:04-Tee hee John Terry missing the penalty is always funny. What might be lost in that is that Pretty Ronaldo’s penalty was TERRIBLE! GINGER BAWS IS ON THE VOTING PANNEL? Funny stuff…

12:08-Nuer from Schalke gets nominated for goalkeeper of the year and the Holy Goalie doesn’t? Bullshit. Cech wins the award, the douche male host is grilling him on Moscow last year, bring the lolz!

12:10-Petr Cech gets to draw? How does that seem fair…But we’re getting under way. Someone is now explaining the rules of the draw and “fair play”. Pot 1 will be drawn first…this will be close for my class I feel.

12:15-Pot 1 has Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Barca, Lyon, Arsenal, Inter, and Real Madrid. Chelsea is in Group A…OH GOOD FUCKING TIME TO BUFFER UEFA VIDEO! Inter are in Group B, Lyon are Group F, Arsenal just drawn and they are in group G.

12:18-My English Muffin is done, do they have those in England? Anyways, Real Madrid are heading to group H. Liverpool got in last night by the skin of their teeth over Standard Liege and still make pot one. They are in group D. Barca are directly put into Group C and Man U right into group E. Pot 1 done. I’m hoping to get into Lyon’s group F, but we’ll see how the rest of the groups shape up. Oh boy, more awards…

12:22-Poor John Terry, every time he’s mentioned tonight, inevitably “The Penalty” is mentioned. Terry gets the consolation of being named the top defender. Chelsea is 2 for 2 in awards tonight, even though they won fuck all.

12:25-Lots of big names in Pot 2…Sporting’s fate first and they get group C with Barca, the commentator clever to name it an Ibernian Battle, a A+ in Geography. PSV is up next and they get group D and Liverpool. Villareal and American Jozy Altidore will get group E and Manchester United, which means we’ll probably see them on ESPN2. The Old Lady of Juventes get into Real Madrid’s group. AS Roma, who’s home stadium will be hosting the final, and are sent automatically to group A with Chelsea. Celtic friendly opponent Porto will get group G and Arsenal. Bayern will go in to Lyon’s group F. Finally Werder Bremen will automatically go into Group B and tangle with Inter. Now one more stupid award and we find out Celtic’s fate!

12:32-Really? ANOTHER Chelsea award? Frank Lampard wins Midfielder of the Year. Is UEFA aware that they did not win ANYTHING?

12:35-Wow, your streaming video sucks, UEFA! Here we go for Pot 3…Bordeaux up first and go to Group A with Chelsea and Roma. Next up is Fenerbache and the Turks are heading to Group G with Arsenal and Porto. Last year’s UEFA Cup Hereos Zenit St. Petersberg (heard Manchester was a riot! lolz!) get Group H with Real Madrid and Juve. FC Basel (how are they in Pot 3?) get Group C with Barca and Sporting. Seriously, the streaming sucks. PAO are up next and get Group B with Inter and Werder Bremen. FINALLY CELTIC! AND WE GET……………FUCKING GROUP E! AH FUCK ANOTHER GAME AGAINST MAN U! We also see Jozy and Villareal…while not exciting stuff against Man U, we have a chance of being on ESPN2 since they love slurping off Man U. Plus we can always show this video…

12:41-Pretty Ronaldo wins an award. In other news, water is still wet and sky still blue. As someone pointed out, at least we can’t get Atletico Madrid with Vilareal in our group now. I did not fancy them or Donetsk in pot 4. No sir.

12:44-Seriously, I will never pay to use UEFA’s streaming because of this joke of a stream. And our group is finished right away AaB, the Danish Champs, finish out the group. Not a terrible group, besides the fact that we are traveling to Manchester AGAIN (hopefully they don’t hold us responsible for the Huns rampage). Obviously road points will be crucial this time around for Celtic. If we hold fort at Fortress Parkhead, I think it is possible to at least get a point in Spain and Denmark. Not a terrible route to try and get to the quarters again.

Group E
Manchester United
Villareal
Celtic
AaB

Pre-Game: -Apparently Strachan cut McDonald when he they were both at Southampton, but that’s all of the story I saw as the feckin’ stream is “buffering”. I picture the conversation that Ginger Baws and Skippy had last off season going as follows:
WGS: Aye Scott, we’re really interested in bringing you to Celtic.
Skippy: G’day Gordon, aren’t you the cunt who cut me at Southampton?
WGS: Aye, here’s a big fuckin’ bag a money, get the feckin’ ball in the net!
Skippy: Let’s put another shrimp on the barbey!

-Strachan in a suit and tie for the match? What’s the occasion, Strachan?
-Ian Crocker and Paul Lambert calling the game tonight
-Line Ups
Brown
Hinkel Caldwell McManus Naylor
Robson Hartley Brown McGeady
Killen McDonald

Southampton rocking out to Crocodile Rock?

Game:
-Here come the teams. Celtic in the new “Gold” away kits (If that’s gold then school buses are made of precious metal). Southampton in their traditional candy striped kits.
-McManus and McDonald will have new numbers this year. McDonald will take the legendary #7 and McManus will take Adam Virgo’s #4.
-And….there’s the Huddle! Celtic to kick off…and the road to 4 in a row starts!
-2′-I’ve grown like the yellow tops, but more importantly I LOVE the green shorts with yellow numbers. Looks really smart.
-Reports are about 3,000 Celtic fans and they are being heard now.
-5′-Skippy tackling in the middle starts a mini-break, Killen takes it up the middle and shoots. Has the finishing touch of Sebo and it’s into the stand. Not sure why Killen is in would rather see Hutchinson as Killen will really never be more than a reserve. Not really sure why we bought him, as he’d get first time at a smaller SPL club but not get much time here.
-7′-Celtic continue to attack as a great tackle by a Southampton defender stops a open shot for Hartley. Southampton counter and Paul Hartley plays shit defense and a corner is forced.
-11′-A bit of footskill magic from the “Southampton guy” (Tim Park’s term, lolz!) and blasts a shot that just misses. Southampton continue on the attack but Hinkel washes it. I think Hinkel’s addition to the squad in the CL will be massive. I’d much rather give Caddis or Doumbe playing time over Naylor (who is rumored to be shipped to Sunderland, but you know what they say about rumors…) and I think Hinkel is world fucking class.
14′-Good cross by Southampton by Caldwell clears for a corner. Rumors of a “Slim Shady” hair color on Caldwell seem to be just rumors but he has gone for a more shaved head look.
-19′-Skippy makes a chance himself, skies the ball and knocks the keeper down trying to win a header. Fields of Athenry easily heard in the ground.
-21′-ARGH! FUCKIN’ Killen has a 1v1 on the goalie and hits it right at the fucking keeper. Killen now has the nickname “FIFA”, as he hits the ball at the keeper every time. While thinking of funny jokes, Killen has another opportunity, this time shooting the ball 3″ to the left and the keeper makes a decent save.
-22′-Marc Brown shows why he is a back up keeper when almost giving up a juicy rebound to Southampton but corals it.
-26′-McGeady fouled just behind the halfway line. The game has been physical for a friendly. McGeady saves it from touch and plays a beautiful ball to Skippy who plays a nice one touch pass to Killen who SCORES! GOAL KILLEN! Chris Killen realizes that the goal is bigger than the goalie’s body. 1-0 Celtic!
-29′-McGeady with some fancy footwork and earns a corner. McGeady the 30′ MOTM so far…
-31′-Barry Robson continues to be the Robo cop. Winning tackles in the midfield and starting breaks. I was not a huge fan of his purchase by Celtic, but he is easily becoming one of my favorite players, enough to want a yellow Robson jersey (hint hint my birthday is in September). Of course as soon as I write this Robo skies a chance over the bar.
-34′-The ref really letting play go. Honestly, I’d like him to blow the whistle more as both sides are being physical, but I doubt either really wants any players hurt because of it in a friendly.
-37′-Robson with a great ball that meets 5′11″ Skippy’s head that goes just over the bar. McGeady and Robo vying for MOTM so far…
-40′-Celtic controlling the game now. McGeady with a beauty of the through ball to McDonald who fires a shot. Southampton keeper makes a beauty of a save but sends it back to McDonald’s head who puts it back on goal and forces another great save. Without the Southampton keeper, it’d be Celtic with at least 3 goals.
-45′-Southampton with a decent chance that is blocked for a corner. Resulting corner has the ball bounce in the box like a pinball until it meets Southampton boots who “FIFA” it right to Marc Brown.
-Halftime: Celtic go into the locker rooms up 1-0. McGeady, Robo, and Skippy have been good so far and the usually maligned defense really committed no gaffs. Lots of scoring chances and some really good keeping have kept it only to one goal for Celtic. I am off to shower during halftime to get ready for the Cleveland Irish Festival tonight (WOO HOO!) If I do not return, I probably fell asleep in the shower and probably drowned. It was nice knowing all of you.
-Back and teams are just coming on. Five changes made in the Celtic squad. Samaras, Donati, O’Dea, Wilson, and Sheridan who’s name I didn’t hear or recognize for McDonald, Killen, Brown, Caldwell, and Naylor. The second half kicks off!
-50′-Celtic on the attack still. It’s always 5 o’clock with Paul Hartley and his beard. Massimo Donati still with the bleached blond hair, apparently not remembering his crimes from last season…Joke of the day from the tictalk chatroom “Walter Smith is there scouting Bobo.” L-O-L.
-54′-Donati intercepts the ball and starts a break to Sheridan. Literally, Donati’s hair matches the kits. Ow.
-60′-Back and forth action, nothing of real consequence. Donati can’t settle a ball it seems and leads to a Southampton break, which leads to a corner.
-62′-Pretty ball for Southampton and a decent cross but Marc Brown on it like a guido on a heineken. Koki Mizuno comes in for Aiden McGeady. This is Mizuno’s first game with the first team.
-66′-So apparently some Southampton supporter has bought a spot to play in this testimonial match for Southampton. Pretty cool and stupid idea, but if you’ve got the cash, why not?
-67′-Celtic give up the fourth corner in a row, but clear and Samaras on the break, does his defender twice and on goal. Defender seems to have a clean tackle in the box but the ref calls for a penalty. Barry Robson takes the penalty and blasts it high left and in the net! GOAL! 2-0 to Celtic on a good penalty by Barry Robson. After the goal, the supporter who bought a spot is subbed on. To say he is a bit out of shape is being unfair to out of shape people. Oxygen masks and doughnuts are available on the side for him. Glad to see this is a “competitive match”…
-71′-Barry Robson, possible MOTM, is subbed off for the newest member of The New Kids on the Block, Paul Caddis. Caddis feeling left out, is also sporting a horrid haircut.
-75′-Koki Mizuno with a good wee run on the right and then a beautiful pass to Samaras who fires a low shot but a decent save by the keeper keeps it out. All those in reader land, anyone know anything about the Southampton keeper? He’s impressed me today. Matt LeTissier is coming on for Southampton and Bobo Balde will start his glorified trial for other teams as he is subbed on.
-79′-Apparently Fox came on at some point for Marc Brown and just made a great save on a Southampton shot. Don’t know much about this Fox guy, is he a Youth or reserve keeper?
-83′-Mizuno is very, very fast. Creates a lot of breaks and can usually find people with ease. I like him. Samaras sends his Mizuno pass into the 15th row though. And Klaus Vanderkamp finally comes on for a run in the last 10 minutes for Southampton.
-87′-Celtic flexing their muscles again as Samaras fires one across the goal mouth that Sheridan just barely misses. Samaras has fired a few rockets into the stands tonight but has made some smart passes as well.
-93;-I take back my previous award of chat comment of the match for tictalk. Instead this one is the clear winner “4:39renoc:Man of the match – the pie stall holder for outrunning Le Tissier” The whistle blows and that’s the match! Celtic get goals from Chris Killen and a penalty from Barry Robson to defeat Southampton 2-0 and the 2008-2009 season is officially underway. Overall, a very good match for Celtic. Good attacks, good passing, and the defense did well. The word on the street is that the Fulham match will not be televised and there will be no stream there for but we will just have to see. Thanks for reading. TAL!

Pre-Kick Off:
Starting Lineups (according to the Beeb)
Celtic
01 Boruc
02 Hinkel
05 Caldwellw
44 McManus
03 Naylor
25 Nakamura
08 Brown
15 Sno
46 McGeady
27 McDonald
09 Samaras

Substitutes
21 Brown,
48 O’Dea,
10 Vennegoor of Hesselink,
11 Hartley,
19 Robson,
18 Donati,
14 Riordan

Sno probably deserves the start after his performance in Catalonia. No homecoming start for Robson, which I am surprised about. Of course, the same fucking backline as always. My liveblog idea could be dead in the water if I don’t find a working stream soon…

6th minute-At the mercy of the Beeb text as of now, while I try to sort out my tech problems. Says Naka had a shot wide. Good to see the offense is moving forward.

14th minute-And a picture! Success! (*in Borat voice*) Celtic have plenty of possession and had a chance with Brown but the cross to Scott McDonald wasn’t the best.

16th minute-”That’s why we’re paranoid!” Ref is letting Dundee mug Aiden McGeady, but as soon as Aidendihno sticks his foot out, he’s in danger of a yellow. Incredibile…still controlling most possesion.

22nd minute-Dundee on the attack now, after Scott Brown gets a foul after being pushed over and the Dundee player tripping over him. Surprised the refs jerseys aren’t orange tonight (multiple meanings!)

26th minute-more Celtic attack, fancy footwork by Samaras. A corner goes to Naka and is saved out for another corner, but nothing comes out. Dundee on the attack!

28th minute-Free kick finally for Celtic. Naka with the free kick, good header by McManus but just wide!

33rd minute-Ball in Dundee end, weak shot and easy save by the Holy Goalie. Not much for him to do so far.

37th minute-more Celtic pressure, but nothing in the net so far. Samaras with a weak shot and more possession but ball taken from McGeady then a foul on him. Free kick taken quickly and Dundee on the break! Luckily offsides! Celtic back on the break! Nice cut by Hinkel and a good pass to Brown, tries to give it to Samaras, but probably should have shot it!

40th minute-Whew! Poor defense from McGeady allows a cross and Dundee nearly heads it in. Probably the best chance of the half so far. Goal kick….whew way to close!

41st minute-More Dundee United attack. Get their third corner. Christ! What a poor clear by Hinkel, right to a Dundee United player. Luckily he Sebos it. We seem a little off the pace, can’t let teams like Dundee United hang around, they have quality and the longer it’s scoreless the more confidence they gain!

Halftime-0-0 score. We have had 70% possession, but nothing to show. The start we all feared. Some good play seen in the beginning, but give credit to Dundee for closing everything down. Just saw the Naka chance from the 3rd minute and it was a great chance. Such is football. The passing has been terrible, especially in our own third. If we tighten up our passing then I think we’ll get a goal, but Dundee have had some runs and some chances so we have to keep it tight! C’mon the Hoops!

Beginning of the 2nd half-Would like to see Robson get a run in the 2nd half. Certainly would want to prove the move was justified, why not against his old team? Teams coming out for the 2nd half. Before the start, must mention tense atmosphere so far, not much singing except a few “Hail, Hails!”. Kickoff!

46th minute-More sloppy play in the final 3rd of the field! Naka plays the ball to Brown who runs out of real estate and has to pass to Hinkel, but it goes out. U-G-L-Y!

55th minute-Had a bit of tech trouble, but I’m back. While I was gone, Brown with a header on a free kick that just went wide and McManus and a Dundee Utd player knock heads and stay down a little while. Free kick given to Samaras 25 yards from goal. Dundee player booked for dissent after kicking the ball away after the foul. OOOH! Naka has a dandee free kick that was just over the bar. Had quite a bit of bend on it!

57th minute-McManus hurt his leg apparently in the clash earlier. Almost cost us on a corner as he just got to a ball. Dangerous play and tense times for a Celtic supporter!

59th minute-Samaras almost on a break but clipped! SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RED! HE WAS THE LAST MAN BACK! Naka’s freekick easily gathered by the Dundee United keeper. Samaras and Sno taken off for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Robson.

65th minute-More sloppy passes. Scott Brown plays it off his foot and asks for a foul that wasn’t there. Dundee on the attack now and Scott Brown with a stupid foul. Free kick punched out by Boruc but right to Dundee who shoot it off Robson, could have been a handball in the box, but no call and no complaints from Dundee United.-Looks like it bounced off Robson’s arm pit

67th minute-Corner for Celtic-First in Celtic half. Off of someones head and JVOH lurking so Dundee clear for another corner. Cleared out, but Naka keeps it in and swings it in. Lands on a Celtic foot…shot! Right at the keeper…

71st minute-Ball played to Brown…near the box, played to McDonald on the left and he Sebos it. Terrible.

73rd minute-Jim OBrien leads a Dundee run, good cross but Caldwell with the clear. Dundee get a soft free kick after a dive!

79th minute- More slop. McDonald on a run in the box and slight contact but not enough for a corner. Mostly Celtic possession but not doing anything with it. Story of the game!

83rd minute-Scott Brown gives the ball away AGAIN! He’s been terrible all game. Looks like Dundee is looking for the draw now. McGeady had a shot blocked and played back to him fires again it Lee Naylor who heads it over the bar. McGeady gets a foul on the left and Naka heads over….fires into the box and header over the bar by a Dundee player…corner…inswing and save but loose…back to Naka who has a good cross and JVOH fires a header over the bar! UGHHHH! Looking like only a point here!

88th minute-Good long ball by Naylor to JVOH who leaves it for Hinkel who fires a shot but saved by the DU keeper. C’MON!

90th minute-4 more minutes as Dundee have a goal kick…Naka fouled in midfield. Naylor with the free kick with everyone else up front. Ball bounces to McGeady who sends it into orbit! Terrible…Scott Brown with a terrible clearance but Dundee with the foul. Brown gets a foul and that should about do it…Full time. Final score 0-0. Terrible passing, terrible finishing ruled the day. Perhaps I’ll do a match recap if I can get that terrible taste out of my mouth.

Rossoneri: Kalac, Cafu, Bonera, Simic, Favali, Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Kaka, Seedorf, Inzaghi.

Subs: Fiori, Kaladze, Gilardino, Gourcuff, Brocchi, Oddo, Aubameyang

Celtic is showing a 4-5-1, though I think it will resemble the 4-4-1-1 they utilized in Glasgow when necessary. A 4-2-3-1 with Donati and Hartley protecting the back line is possible too, at least early on.

At first glance, I think Celtic will be able to attack Milan’s flanks considering their two fullbacks are 37 and 35. They can be had.

The Bhoys: Boruc, Caldwell, Pressley, McManus, O’Dea, Jarosik, Donati, Hartley, S Brown, McGeady, McDonald.

Subs: M Brown, Balde, Zurawski, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Sno, Killen, Caddis

I’ll be back around 230…

Ok, I’m back. I have officially traded in the idiots from Setanta Ireland for Seamus Malin and Tommy Smyth. Fair trade?

Here’s a debate for the new millenium. Do you go with the hi-def with the blocks on the side, or the less clear full screen? I think I’m going with the full screen.

Celtic have shocked everyone and come out in all green w/white socks. No one in the stadium at all. You can hear the traveling fans!

We’re almost ready to go! C’mon the Hoops!

Kaka’s getting some meaningless award.

0′–Celtic’s huddled up. Ready to rock and roll.

2′–Boruc still shaky kicking with his right foot after the toe fungus

5′–Seedorf challenges the Celtic rearguard for the first time. I’m not going to shave for a few weeks or wash my hair for a month to model myself after Hartley/Pressley.

6′–Benfica score!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cardozo for Benfica!!!!!!!!!!!!

10′–Seedorf down after Caldwell challenges. He’s OK. Celtic looking composed thus far.

15′–This is like a friendly. No risks taken, not much entertainment for the neutral.

16′–Inzaghi grabs McManus’ shirt and Milan get a free kick. Kaka to take.

16′–Milan overelaborate and the wall does its job. Still 0-0 and looking like its going to stay that way for a while.

18′–Kaka bursts from the midfield and McManus, the last man, makes a wonderful tackle. Top quality.

21–Corner for Milan after an O’Dea slip. Pirlo goes short, Celtic on the break…no dice.

22′–Cardozo again for Benfica!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2-0 Benfica!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

23′–Halfway through the first half. As Smyth keeps saying, its a leisurely pace.

25–Tommy Smyth reads the Celtic Offside.

26′–Bad mistake from the Celtic defense and Kaka fires dangerously wide.

27′–Nice move from Favali and Inzaghi. Boruc in the right place at the right time. Easy save.

28′–Kaladze on for Simic. Seedorf and Ancelotti are having a jolly old time. Let’s hope Benfica go up 3-0 and then they can let this game rip.

30′–Shakhtar gets on the board courtesy of a penalty courtesy of Lucarelli. Inzaghi loops over Boruc’s goal.

35′–Milan are in the ascendancy, but Celtic are not perturbed. Looking good so far.

39′–Jarosik tests Kalac from distance. One hopper is easily saved.

41′–Shaky stuff from Celtic’s back four. Inzaghi called for the foul. Pippo’s whining as usual.

43′–Pippo heads meekly wide with Ambrosini right behind him. Ambrosini’s not happy with his old pal.

44′–Bad corner kick conceded by Donati. Seedorf takes short, gets the ball back but fires high and wide.

45′–That ref is gigantic. A psychologist by trade. Interesting. Two minutes added on.

Halftime–Mercifully, the whistle is blown. 0-0 with Benfica leading at Shakhtar 2-1. That would see Milan and Celtic through, with Benfica snatching the UEFA Cup spot from under the Ukrainians noses.

Lunch time…Be back for the start of the second half.

It looks cold in Donetsk. Real cold. Great goals from Cardozo.

46′–Second half underway. You can hear the final strands on “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the Celtic fans. Scott Brown get a quick yellow. Stupid foul. He’ll sit out the first leg of the knockout rounds, if Celtic make it.

47′–Handball on McDonald. Pirlo’s freekick freezes Boruc and drifts JUST wide.

49′–Inzaghi picks up the ball after another Celtic give away. Boruc comes out to challenge and Pippo is off target.

54′–The disjointed, uninspired play continues. Sorry for the lack on blogging, but there really isn’t too much to say.

56′–Still 2-1 Benfica after 60 minutes in Donestsk. Long ball from McManus to Brown…..NOOOOOOOOOOO…..Brown misses badly.

58′–Milan are rampaging but Celtic bodies are in front of every shot! Amazing stuff!

62′–About 30 minutes left. Milan looking to take a lead, but can’t quite find the right pass to break open the Celtic defense. Evander Sno is getting ready to come on. For who? Donati would be the guess.

64′–Kaka blazes embarrassingly high.

65′–Big Jan comes on for Scott McDonald. Good work Skippy. JVoH will get the winner!

67′–Pressley recovers quickly to thwart a Milan counter. The old man is looking pretty damn good, if I do say so. Gilardino and Gourcuff getting stripped and ready to take the pitch.

69′–Gourcuff on for Seedorf, who was Man of the Match till this point.

70′–Inzaghi gets his goal! Well worked move between Cafu, Kaka, and finally Pippo. Well done. Celtic need to get their shit together. Sno comes on for Donati. Its breath holding time for Celts fans, but then again, thats how it always is, and that’s how we like it.

73′–Ambrosini crushes McGeady. Free kick. Great free kick from McGeady, but Kalac handles with ease.

75′–Pirlo is pissed to be going off. Brocchi is on to hang with his twin Gattuso.

78′–Celtic are going to two strikers. Zurawski on for Jarosik. Do they know the score in Donetsk? Still 2-1 Benfica.

79′–Milan still dangerous, from all angles. Hold on you Bhoys!

80′–Milan coming at Celtic full bore. Corner cleared by Big Jan. Ten minutes till qualification!

81′–Amazing double save from Brocchi and Inzaghi by Boruc!!!! The man is simply awesome!

83′–Brown burns Kalac’s hands. Poor corner from Hartley is easily cleared.

85′–McManus’ clearance smashes into Gatusso’s ribs and Brocchi fires another rocket toward the Celtic net. Ably saved by Boruc.

89′–Great break from Celtic…Caldwell’s cross is nodded wide by JVoH! Oh so close!

90+2′–Kaka’s brilliant run is stopped cold by Evander Sno! Superb technique all around! Boruc was beaten, but Sno’s gutty tackle saves Celtic from further blushes!

90+3′-Benfica win, Celtic are through despite losing here today! Milan take the spoils, but who cares? Celtic on 9 points, Benfica on 7, Shakhtar on 6 as the group concludes.

Celtic are on to the knockout rounds for the second consecutive year! Milan are the group winners, and a rapidly improving Benfica side are headed for the UEFA Cup. They will be a force to be reckoned with in that competition, no doubt.

I’ll never liveblog a Celtic match again because it’s too distracting! No more.

Congrats to Inzaghi for setting the Champions League scoring record, and congrats to the Bhoys for advancing! Big props to Benfica and Oscar Cardozo.

Fortress Celtic Park is an understatement.

I’ll wrap up Group D sometime this week. Enjoy the evening! Never has a loss tasted so sweet!