Trailing 3-0 a Celtic victory is essential at Parkhead tonight against Manchester United if they are to rescue their disappointing Champions League campaign.

A far cry from May 1970 when Celtic defeated Leeds United 2-1 at Hampden Park in the semi-final watched by a record 136,505 crowd. A venue switch from Paradise had been necessary because of the overwhelming public interest in what had been labelled the Battle of Britain.

Glasgow, a fanatical and at times frenzied city, was vibrant that night – it was impossible to get buses or taxis to the ground with long queues waiting for trains to Mount Florida. No post-war club match, not even those between Rangers and Celtic, had generated so much interest.

Celtic, considered the underdogs by the English media, led 1-0 from the first leg at Elland Road, Jimmy Johnstone tearing them apart and George Connelly scoring the goal after 45 seconds. Nothing appeals more to the Scottish fan than to put one over the auld enemy. Here was a golden opportunity in the second leg for a repeat.

Manager Jock Stein, hero worshipped by supporters who believed he could walk on water, and whose achievements were monumental, could lead them again to the promised land of another European Cup Final. They were still buoyant from that never-to-be-forgotten night of May 25, 1967, when they defeated Internazionale 2-1 with goals from Tommy Gemmell and Steve Chalmers to become the first British team, dubbed the Lisbon Lions, to win the European Cup.

The hype surrounding the visit of Leeds, managed by Don Revie, can only be described as unbelievable. Hampden, the shrine of Scottish football, was bursting at the seams in an era when Health and Safety restrictions were not so stringent or demanding. Thousands turned up ticketless, charged the gates and gained entry making it impossible to assess just how many were in the ground.

Celtic’s cherished hopes of making it to another Euro final were, however, silenced after only 13 minutes when the late Billy Bremner, so often the Leeds and Scotland inspiration, scored against the run of play. Then came a display of grit and determination and the renowned philosophy of attacking football.

Masterminded by Bertie Auld Celtic were a revelation as Jimmy Johnstone, known as Jinky, gave England full back Terry Cooper a night of torture and anguish. Two minutes into the second half John Hughes headed past Jackie Charlton and goalkeeper Gary Sprake while,almost instantly, Bobby Murdoch put the tie beyond doubt. Celtic were finalists again – this time meeting Feyenoord of Holland, who had made little impact in European football and were managed by the taciturn Austrian Ernst Happell. The venue – the San Siro, Milan, a gargantuan concrete and glass stadium in a city renowned for opera, fashion and football.

Revie was shocked as he sat in the corner of the dressing room, went over to the mirror combed his hair and said “back to the bloody drawing board”, then walked out and banged the door!

Scottish fans, filled with optimism but little pragmatism, contended the hard work had been done and it was a case of turning up to hold the trophy aloft . . . what a rude awakening they received.

Celtic went into the lead with a Gemmell goal, but Rinus Israel, taking advantage of Billy McNeill’s partial clearance, headed the equaliser at the post. So extra-time was necessary for only the third occasion in the series and three minutes from the end of it Ove Kindval toe-ended a ball past the goalkeeper Evan Williams.

McNeill, stumbling back, had taken the pace off the shot but Italian referee ,Concetto Lo Bello, allowed the advantage rule and the Swede finished off the job. Even the taciturn Happell showed signs of jubilation!