Celtic outplayed Bayern Munich for 90% of tonight's game in Germany, with one costly blunder by Magnus Hedman proving to be the deciding factor of the result.
Hedman was given the nod in the starting line-up, alongside Bobo Balde, Stan Varga and Jackie McNamara in defence. Neil Lennon, Stan Petrov, Alan Thompson, Didier Agathe and Chris Sutton made up the midfield, while John Hartson partnered Henrik Larsson up-front.
From the kick-off, it was clear that Celtic were the side who looked most up for it, winning every tackle and fighting for every ball.
Throughout the first half, Celtic dominated the game, our best chance coming to Bobo Balde, who's 40 minute header was tipped just over the bar by German captain Oliver Kahn. Bayern failed to trouble the Celtic defence in the first 45 minutes.
As expected, Bayern came out with all guns blazing in the second period, and had a few decent moves, none however, resulted in a goal.
Celtic took a well deserved lead after 57 minutes, a Didier Agathe cross was missed by John Hartson and the whole of the German defence, Alan Thompson was hiding at the back post to head home. It was a goal similar to Thommo's in Stuttgart last year.
Bayern came out attacking now, and equalised with only 18 minutes left of the game. A Stan Varga header from inside the area landed straight at the feet of Roy Mackaay, and the golden boot winner smashed home a long range drive.
Bayern then brought on cheat Rau, and as he dived to gain a free kick in his own half, it brought back memories of his antics against Scotland last week.
From the resulting free kick, a cross towards the Celtic box was missed by the whole defence, and bounced past Hedman in goal. It was a simple opportunity for the Swedish keeper to come out and collect the ball - a job which Oliver Kahn would have done with ease.
Surely we are not going to fall victim to another year of dodgy goalkeeping.
Overall, it was a superb performance from the Bhoys. If this is repeated throughout the rest of the games in the Champions League, we will have no problems in seeing ourselves through to the knockout rounds.
Celtic:
Hedman - 7
Balde - 9
Varga - 8
McNamara - 8
Lennon - 9
Petrov - 7
Thompson - 8
Agathe - 7
Sutton - 8
Larsson - 7
Hartson - 7 (Miller - 6)
Celtic-Mad Man of the Match: Neil Lennon