The night became a cause for jubilation.
There might also have been an element of relief in overcoming Helsingborgs, since the visitors were once again technically adept, and dominated periods of possession. Celtic were able to be formidable and any quibbles would seem small-minded since they twice defeated the Swedes 2-0. Neil Lennon savoured the result, because it represents the progression of his career.
The occasion began with a tribute. Footage of Henrik Larsson on the stadium's two video screens would have thrilled both sets of supporters, even if he was only seen representing the home side. It was essentially a masterclass, since the Swede was a peerless figure, but it was a reminder, too, of a glorious past. Celtic revere Larsson, but the obligation was to establish the current players as a side worth celebrating.
Dynasties have to be renewed, and the craving was for a performance that would declare Lennon's team capable of performing among the elite of European football. There is prestige in the Champions League, but its value lies in the cash windfall it provides and the demands that it makes of the players.
Celtic Park can be raucous on European nights and the crowd had to be resisted. The noise was thunderous, and while it might have scrambled the minds of the Helsingborgs players, it could also have skewed the judgment of the home side. A barnstorming display was urged by the clamour but Celtic had to be more prudent. Boldness would be rewarded, but the ability of the visitors could not be disregarded.
The match became a conundrum for Lennon. Helsingborgs dominated the opening quarter, forcing Celtic to be rugged in defence. Kelvin Wilson's pace was critical when the visitors broke upfield with such speed and dynamism but he also halted the progress of Thomas Sorum with a jarring block. Wilson's flaws have been evident since he joined Celtic last season, but the intervention emphasised the resolve that his side required.
Helsingborgs were mostly contained at a safe enough distance from Fraser Forster's goal but the home side had to find a way to impose themselves. Lennon switched Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras, so that it was the latter who was partnering Gary Hooper up front. Moving the Greek into the forefront of the game was a disruptive act and the Helsingborgs defenders had to cope with his unpredictable surges.
The crowd never lost its ferocious edge. When Hooper blocked a clearance, a roar spread around the stadium. It was a commonplace act but the response was a reminder of the tension contained with the stadium. Celtic's 2-0 lead from the first leg was a source of comfort, but there was still a fragile balance to the scoreline. An opening goal for Helsingborgs would have generated a deep anxiety.
European ties no longer cause Lennon's side to become neurotic, though. Last season's Europa League campaign generated the conviction that Celtic have no cause to feel inferior. After Samaras's cross was tipped over by Par Hansson, Celtic kept probing from the resulting corner. There was good fortune in the way Scott Brown's scuffed shot fell to Samaras, but also shrewd awareness as he played the ball inside to Hooper to score.
Helsingborgs were never cowed, though, and superior teams will be inspired themselves by the atmosphere that the stadium can generate. Spirited displays can lift a team beyond its capabilities but Celtic needed to be more commanding. The onus was on the visitors to alter the balance of the tie but they were allowed to dominate periods of the game too comfortably. Celtic always carried the greater threat in attack, though, and they might have added to their lead on a number of occasions before Victor Wanyama headed in a second goal.
The team's performance will have enthused Lennon but he will also have acknowledged the progress that can still be made. Wanyama was an imperious figure and the spookiness and drive of Brown was endlessly stirring for Celtic. When David Accam hurt Emilio Izaguirre with a crude foul, and Ardian Gashi clashed with Wilson, it was Brown who led the home side's defiance. The hostility, on this occasion, was measured.
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