Revenge for the Hoops in Oporto

[Martin]

Revenge !

Celtic defeated Porto 1-0 last night in a surprisingly competitive testimonial match in the Dragao Stadium. The Hoops had agreed to play their bitter rivals from the 2003 UEFA Cup final, much to the surprise of many Celtic fans, in Portugese keeper Victor Baia's testimonial - despite Baia being one of the worst culprits for time-wasting and theatrics on that memorable night in Seville five years ago.

Celtic started in a 4-5-1 formation with Samaras having a thankless task in the lone striker role as Porto enjoyed most of the possession in the first half. Indeed Hoops keeper Artur Boruc, starting his first pre-season game, did well to keep the Hoops in the game in the opening period. Slack play in midfield, from Donati in particular, saw the Celtic defence under pressure and Boruc once again showed his qualities and importance to his team as Porto forced the game at high tempo.

The teams emerged for the second half with Porto making seven changes and Celtic slowly edging their way in to the game. Strachan then made a series of substitutions and reverted to a more typical 4-4-2 formation with McDonald and Vennegoor of Hesselink up front. This seemed to galvanise Celtic and the game had a distinct edge to it with Scott Brown involved in some running feuds throughout the half. Celtic gradually enjoyed more possession which culminated in a superb headed winner in the 87th minute after a wonderful passing move finished off in typical fashion by Vennegoor of Hesselink. The Celtic players, and bench, celebrated as though this was a genuinely competitive European match and saw out the remaining minutes to seal the most impressive performance of their pre-season so far.

The game may have provided some interesting pointers for the season ahead as Strachan shifted Caldwell once more to a holding midfield role as he made changes in the second half. Is this a role he sees for the much maligned Caldwell in the months ahead ? Italian midfielder Massimo Donati once again looked ponderous and ineffectual in midfield and question marks must surely hang over his future role at Parkhead. Nevertheless, despite the 'friendly' circumstances of the match this was a competitive contest which left the Hoops enjoying the sweet taste of victory. Scant consolation for the events of Seville 2003 but satisfying nevertheless.