Eu Reds: Celtic

As attentions turn to domestic matters following Cliftonville’s elimination from the Europa League, so too does our popular mini series of continental anniversaries draw to a conclusion with one final step back in time.

Today marks five years since the Reds bowed out of the Champions League at the hands of Celtic, whose 2-0 win in Glasgow extended their aggregate success to five without reply.

A huge Cliftonville contingent made the relatively short journey to Celtic Park where, inspired by a fine performance from their team, they sang and danced the night away in one of the world’s most iconic venues.

Efe Ambrose opened the scoring with a 16th minute header before Marc Smyth went close to levelling things on the night.

After the break, a scintillating passing move ended with Liam Boyce being denied by Kelvin Wilson’s goal-line clearance ahead of Georgios Samaras pouncing to put Celtic two goals to the good.

Despite their exit from the competition having by now long been inevitable, the Red Army implored their players to register a memorable goal in Glasgow’s east end – and were almost rewarded right at the finish when Joe Gormley’s fiercely-struck free-kick whistled across the face of goal and inches wide of the post.