UEFA C.L. Mcdonald vs Beauchamp

In a rare European outing for Danish outfit Aalborg, Celtic had to share the spoils in a match which had no goals, but plenty of controversy...

The match played at Parkhead Glasgow, home of ECL regulars Celtic, showcased two Aussies on opposing sides. Michael Beauchamp playing for Aalborg, a team he joined from Nuremberg this summer, slotted into defence while Scott Mcdonald started in striker for Celtic.

This was a game the home side was expected to extract full points from, having only lost once at home in the competition from fifteen games. Aalborg in comparison had lost all three away ties in their only other venture into the champions league all the way back in 95/96.

The game was going according to script when at 26 minutes Maloney was taken down in the box by Olfers leaving the referee little option but to award a penalty. However, Robson's strike was hit low and straight allowing the Danish keeper Zaza's trailing legs to adequately clear the ball.

There were plenty of opportunities for Celtic to go ahead, all squandered, while Aalborg weren't without their chances either, Celtic had the run of the play. Mcdonald was replaced in the 64th minute after a quiet night and Celtic continued to push for the win. Beauchamp was next to go when inexplicably given a straight red for a cynical last man foul was committed (obviously to most) by team mate Jakobsen, taking down a flying Samaras. Playing against ten men Celtic still failed to trouble the scorers, the game ending a disappointing 0-0.

A good result for the Danes and a frustrating one for Celtic, still leaving both teams with much to do to progress past the group stage of footballs premier competition.

Beauchamp should have his suspension transferred to his team mate on review but it adds another interesting chapter to his career with Aalborg, having already received a red in his first league match for the Danish champions in August.