Scottish side Celtic pulled off a defeat of Portuguese side Sporting Clube de Portugal after penalties last night following a 1-1 draw at the Red Sox Fenway park stadium.
32,162 fans came to see the exhibition match, on the first night that Fenway Park has hosted a soccer match for many years.
“The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was in the three previous games as well,” said Celtic manager Neil Lennon adding the match, adding that despite the smaller than regulation pitch, the match also was a success.
“It’s not like a normal stadium actually with the Green Monster and so many people sitting on top of that. I liked the history and the tradition of the stadium. It was different and we enjoyed it. It’s one of the most famous stadiums in the world and we played a football game in it.”
The Portuguese boss was also impressed by the level of support he received from Boston’s sizeable Portuguese ethnic community:
“I was proud to play a soccer game here at Fenway,” said Sergio, the Sporting boss. “We had a very good atmosphere and we feel very good about this game.”
Celtic opening the scoring in the 72nd minute with a Georgios Samaras penalty after the Greek international was fouled by Lisbon defender Evaldo, but Sporting hit a quick reply in the 82nd minute with a Helder Posdtiga header. The first five players from each side scored their penalties, but Sporting’s Lisedon’s effort floated over the crossbar and into the stands, handing Celtic the victory on penalties.
“I thought we played very well and our intensity was good and our quality was good,” said Lennon. “Overall it was worthwhile,” he added after the match.
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