The Battle of Britain: A Footballing History Lesson

In anticipation of tonight’s Europa League encounter between Liverpool and Hearts, we take a look at some of the ties between English and Scottish clubs over the years, which are handily dubbed the ‘Battles of Britain’.

Leeds v Rangers (1992-93, European Cup Second Round)

This is perhaps the best known ‘Battle of Britain’ throughout the ages. Two legs of captivating, end-to-end football, ended with the then Champions of Scotland dumping the best team in England out of the most prestigious club competition in Europe.

In the first leg, an early Gary McAllister strike for Leeds was cancelled out by a John Lukic own goal and a trademark finish from Ally McCoist. And in the return fixture at Elland Road, Mark Hateley and McCoist again scored to ensure that Rangers could proudly call themselves ‘the Best Team in Britain’. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

This documentary behind the famous tie is fascinating.

Result: Rangers win 4-1 on aggregate

Celtic v Liverpool (2003, UEFA Cup Quarter Final)

The seeds were sown for an absolute classic about two minutes before kick off in the first leg here. Celtic Park was packed to the rafters, and what followed was perhaps the most spine-tingling rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ that you will ever here.

The atmosphere was electric, and when Henrik Larsson gave Celtic the lead inside two minutes there was a more powerful eruption than anything that pussy Mount Etna could produce. Prolific marksman Emile Heskey later equalised for the Reds, to set up an intriguing second leg at Anfield.

After another powerful performance of YNWA, the scene was set. Unfortunately, the Bhoys hadn’t read the script, and triumphed 2-0 with goals from Alan Thompson and John Hartson. They went on to the Final, eventually losing to Jose Mourinho’s Porto.

Here’s THAT Celtic Park version of You’ll Never Walk Alone, with backing vocals from Gerry Marsden himself.

  

Result: Celtic win 3-1 on aggregate

Celtic v Leeds (1969-70, European Cup Semi Final)

 

This one may be going back a few years, but this is perhaps the most prestigious tie between two British sides. In what was the equivalent of the Champions League Semi Final, Celtic were aiming to book their place in a second European Cup final in three years.

A goal from George Connelly gave the Bhoys a 1-0 first leg win at Elland Road, and then over 130,000 people(!) crammed into Hampden Park to see strikes from John Hughes and Bobby Murdoch set up a final with Feyenoord. Which they duly lost.

Result: Celtic win 3-1 on aggregate

And so, tonight....

 

Although that was a hand-picked selection of three, you can see that Scottish sides have a good record against their English counterparts.  Hearts though are really up against it tonight, and having been beaten 5-0 by Spurs at the same stage of the tournament last season, must fear the worst.

Liverpool are set to name a side made up of fringe players, many of whom will be hungry to put themselves in the shop window for a regular first-team berth, including Charlie Adam, Andy Carroll and young Raheem Sterling.

The Verdict:  We expect Liverpool to win, and to win well. This is why we are taking the Reds for a '-2 Goal Handicap Win' (9/2), courtesy of Sporting Bet.

And Anglo-Scottish contests are generally feisty affairs too, so the 15/4 offered by William Hill for more than three Hearts players to get booked is very tasty value indeed.

Remember, for all of your football betting, opinion and news, stay tuned to Route One.