Celtic FC and Liverpool, two iconic British football clubs who share the same anthem, are gearing up for a special European night at Celtic Park.
Celtic FC experienced their golden era in the 1960s. In the 1966/67 season, they achieved a historic feat, becoming the first British team to win the European Cup after toppling Inter Milan in Lisbon. The Lisbon Lions lost to Feyenoord in the 1970 final three years later. Celtic reached the semi-finals in 1971/72 and 1973/74 but have struggled to replicate those heights in recent years.
For Celtic, their ambitions have today shifted towards securing a spot in the group stages and, at the very least, finishing third to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. They last reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages in 2012/13, losing 5-0 to Juventus in the round of 16.
Liverpool FC, a six-time champion of the European Cup, stands as a true heavyweight in continental football. Their illustrious journey in the competition began in the 1964/65 season, led by the legendary Bill Shankly. A remarkable run saw them reach the semi-finals, where they faced Italian giants Inter Milan. Goals from Roger Hunt, Ian Callaghan, and Ian St John secured a 3-1 advantage to take to the San Siro. However, Liverpool faced disappointment as Inter Milan claimed a 3-0 win and went on to lift the trophy that year.
It was Bob Paisley who masterminded Liverpool’s first European Cup triumph in 1976/77. They defeated Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 in Rome, following it with another victory one year later against Club Brugge at Wembley Stadium.
The 1980s continued Liverpool's European success, as they secured their third European Cup in 1981 by defeating Real Madrid, courtesy of Alan Kennedy's goal. The following year, they triumphed once more, prevailing over AS Roma in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
One of Liverpool's most iconic moments came in 2005 when Rafa Benitez's side staged an astonishing comeback in the UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan. Down 3-0 at halftime, Liverpool mounted a remarkable comeback, forcing the game into extra time and winning on penalties thanks to Jerzy Dudek's heroics.
German coach Jurgen Klopp added another chapter to Liverpool's illustrious European history in 2018/19, securing their sixth European Cup with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi.
Celtic vs Liverpool Head to Head
Celtic and Liverpool have met on six occasions in European football, albeit never in the UEFA Champions League. Their first meeting took place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Celtic won the first leg 1-0 at Celtic Park, but were eliminated after losing 2-0 at Anfield.
Their next meeting came in the 1997/98 UEFA Cup first round. The first leg at Anfield was a thrilling affair and Steve McManaman scored a late equaliser for the reds in a 2-2 draw. The return leg at Celtic Park finished goalless, securing Celtic’s spot in the next round thanks to the away goals rule.
In 2002/03, Celtic and Liverpool met in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals. Liverpool had the upper hand after securing a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park in the first leg. Yet, the Scottish giants outplayed Liverpool at Anfield and ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Alan Thompson and John Hartson.
Celtic vs Liverpool Connections
There are many excellent players who have proudly represented both clubs. Stars such as Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy, Stephane Henchoz, Harry Kewell, Virgil van Dijk, and Gary Gillespie have donned the jerseys of both Celtic and Liverpool.
Arguably, the most illustrious figure that connects these two clubs is Kenny Dalglish. Rising through the ranks at Celtic Park, Dalglish spent eight memorable years with the club, amassing 338 appearances and 173 goals. His move to Liverpool in 1977 marked the beginning of another legendary journey. At Anfield, Dalglish became an iconic figure, making 515 appearances, scoring 172 goals, and contributing to six domestic titles and three European Cups.
Dalglish also ventured into management, taking the reins at both clubs, although his success was more pronounced at Liverpool.
Another notable name is John Barnes, a winger who made a significant impact at Liverpool, scoring 106 goals in 403 appearances. Following his playing career, he took charge at Celtic, albeit briefly, under the directorship of Kenny Dalglish.
