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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

'No cake walk' - Former rival in unlikely defence of Celtic ahead of Feyenoord clash

Feyenoord legend Wim van Hanegem was part of the iconic team that became the first Dutch side to win the European Cup when they defeated Celtic in the 1970 final.

But he's warned the current Feyenoord side that Brendan Rodgers' team will not roll over in Rotterdam after being impressed by their Asian quartet.

The Hoops open their Champions League group stage games tonight with a difficult encounter in De Kuip against Arne Slot's men.

Van Hanegem played in Milan in the final against Celtic 53 years ago where they won 2-1 after extra time after captain Rinus Israel soon cancelled out Tommy Gemmell's opener before Swedish striker Ove Kindvall grabbed the winner three minutes from the end of extra time to break Celtic hearts and stopped them winning what would have been their second European Cup in four years.

However, the 69-year-old - who went on to lead Feyenoord to a Dutch title as manager - reckons this could be a tricky evening for his former club.

He said: "People think Feyenoord will win easily against both Celtic this week and Ajax on Sunday.

"Well, a lot can change in football in a few days.

"Of course, I hope that Celtic are defeated, but I certainly don't believe they will be overpowered the way Feyenoord did to Heerenveen at the weekend when they won 6-1.

"A lot of people have been knocking on my door asking about the 1970 Final. But I am afraid I don't sit at home with scrapbooks on my lap.

"Celtic in 2023 only resembles Celtic in 1970 in terms of the shirts.

"I hope Feyenoord wins, but I have seen those Japanese players Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda from Celtic at work a few times and the South Korean Yang Hyun-jun.

"Believe me, this will be no cake walk for Feyenoord...quite the contrary in fact."

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