With 6 first team players ruled out through injury, the trip to Bayern Munich in Germany was never going to be easy, and many critics had written Celtic off before the game had even started.
The only big shock in the team was that Magnus Hedman had been chosen over Rab Douglas in goal, Chris Sutton dropped into midfield to allow John Hartson to partner Henrik Larsson up-front.
Celtic totally dominated the game for 75 minutes. Munich never really looked like the class act they were billed up to be, until then.
Alan Thompson's goal 10 minutes after half time was a well deserved strike, and the least we thought we'd get was a draw. But our defence, who had been brilliant up to this point, decided to have a genorous day.
With 15 minutes remaining, and with Bayern pushing for en equaliser, Stan Varga headed a hopeful header out of the 18 yard box. Luckily for the Germans, the ball landed at the feet of Golden Boot winner Roy Makaay, who smashed home a fantastic shot. Varga's header should have been to the wide right-hand side, or else completley out of the park. With players of Makaay's class on the park it was a schoolboy error made by the defender.
It was now a case of holding on to what we had, but Celtic simply threw it away. With only 4 minutes of the game remaining, Makaay crossed a hopeful ball into the area. The ball was totally missed by three Celtic defenders, and no approach was made by Magnus Hedman to collect. Hedman was anticipating Michael Ballack to header the ball, but Ballack simply moved his body and the ball bounced into the net.
Many Celtic fans have been quick to defend Hedman on this one, but I blame him for the goal. A goalkeeper must come out and collect a crossed ball, and anything else in the way. Hedman's only comfort is that the only person challenging him for a first team place is Rab Douglas.
The most frustrating factor from Wednesday's game was that we could and should have had at least a point. Even though I never expected a great performance or any points, Celtic showed us exactly what they can do. If we continue to play like that we will have no problem progressing to the knockout stages.
It was back to league action on Saturday, as Motherwell arrived for their routine defeat at Parkhead. Second half goals from Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and a magic free-kick from Shaun Maloiney gave us the 3 points in a match where Henrik was also booked for a supposed dive in the box. TV replays showed that he should have been awarded a penalty and Motherwell keeper Gordon Marshall should have been sent off. But this is Scotland.
Our next game is a trip to Easter Road, to face Hibs on Saturday. With BBC showing the match, it will be a 12.30 kick off. Easter Road has always been a tricky ground to visit, but if Celtic want to win then they will. Also, 25quid a ticket, it is absoloute disgrace. These teams build a mediocre stand and expect Celtic and Rangers fans to pay for it. Considering the UEFA Cup Final was only 21 pounds, it really is a joke.