Barcelona Coach Tito Vilanova was proud of his players despite their defeat and amazed by the atmosphere in Glasgow.
Barca dominated possession and created numerous chances in the Champions League encounter but were unable to avoid a surprise 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park, which played host to a display celebrating the club's 125th anniversary at kick-off.
“First I have to congratulate Celtic on their victory,” a gracious Vilanova told journalists in Glasgow. “The stadium was spectacular. I have been in many stadiums but never seen anything like it. I wish them many more years.”
Celtic's first goal, scored by Victor Wanyama, highlighted the Blaugrana's set piece vulnerability once more.
“We knew where we would suffer, at corners, they only had two and scored from one. You have to give them credit, but I'm happy because we interpreted the game fine. We could sign tall players, but this is the game Barca's people want to see.
"You have to give credit to their goalkeeper [Fraser Forster], who played a great game. We had enough chances to win but this happens in football, it isn't the first time and it won't be the last.”
Vilanova's side hadn't lost since the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid but are still very much in control of Group G, two points ahead of Celtic.
“I said that this was the biggest game remaining this year, but we are very fortunate that we still have two games and if we win one we will finish first in the group.”
