Ambrose – We can beat Barcelona again

 

Nigerian defender Efe Ambrose insists Celtic are ready to wreck Barcelona’s revenge mission and prove last season’s sensational victory was no one-off fluke.

 

The Nigerian international produced an outstanding display at the heart of the Parkhead defence when Neil Lennon’s men stunned the Catalans with a 2-1 win in the east end of Glasgow last November.

 

Like his manager, Ambrose reckons memories of that extraordinary night will ensure Barcelona are doubly motivated when they return to town for tomorrow night’s showdown in Group H of the Champions League.

 

However, he believes that Celtic can again raise their game against the awesome cast list of the La Liga leaders and secure another famous triumph.

 

“We know it will be even more difficult and dangerous for us, because it will be like payback for them,” said Ambrose.

 

“A year ago, beating them was unbelievable — so few people imagined that we could beat them.”

 

“I believe this time Barcelona will be coming full force to Celtic Park. But we are also going to step it up. We know all eyes are on us to see if our win last year was some kind of fluke.

 

“We have to prove we can do it again at Celtic Park. We are not just playing for ourselves, we are playing for 60,000 fans who are the best in the world.”

 

Asked if lightning could strike twice, Ambrose added: “Everything is possible in football. We believe we can do it again and we will do it again.

 

“Beating them last season was one of the best results in my career. It put us into the limelight and we’ve been in full view of Europe since then. That game changed everything about how some people looked at Celtic.”

 

The Parkhead side warmed up for the visit of Barcelona by recording a 5-2 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday, which kept them second in the SPFL on goal difference behind Inverness Caley Thistle.

 

A Georgios Samaras hat-trick was the highlight but there was also concern for boss Lennon when an unwell Adam Matthews had to be replaced before half-time.

 

Matthews and winger James Forrest, who is back in training after suffering from a mystery virus, were being assessed by medical staff last night as Lennon seeks to finalise his plans for Tuesday evening’s clash.