This Day in History: 2023-04-21

Nr. 442

CELTIC’S ‘LIONS’ ROAR (1967)

A shot deflected home by Steve Chalmers claimed the European Cup for a Scottish side for the first and, to date, only time on 25 May 1967. Celtic became the first British side to win the trophy when they beat Inter Milan 2-1 in front of 45,000 people in Lisbon. The narrow margin of the win disguised the attacking supremacy of the Celtic team, a performance which won them the title ‘Lions of Lisbon’.
Celtic, whose players all came from within a 30-mile radius of Glasgow, were a goal down to a penalty inside eight minutes, but manager Jock Stein ordered an all-out attack. The Italians went into familiar deep defensive mode and were saved by the heroics of goalkeeper Sarti and the woodwork. The breakthrough came with a goal by rampaging full-back Tommy Gemmell, before Chalmers’ touching­in of Bobby Murdoch’s long-range shot won the match. Delirious Celtic fans invaded the pitch and many players lost their shirts to souvenir hunters.

Celtic’s Stevie Chalmers turns away after scoring the winning goal past Inter goalkeeper Sarti.

Captain Billy McNeill lifts the Cup on a famous night in Lisbon.