5. Domestic And European Significance and Success
Celtics historical significance is well-known Celtic was the first British team, and the only Scottish team, to win the European Cup (now Champions League). Even before Manchester United, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forrest had their successes on the European stage, Celtic managed to win the European Cup in 1967 and lost in extra time in 1970. Celtics present significance is that it is the most successful current Scottish side, overtaking fierce rival Rangers Football Club after it descended into administration and liquidation in 2012. Celtic has also managed some success on the European stage again in recent years, reaching the final of the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) in 2003, and famously defeating Barcelona 2-1 last year en route to a place in the 1st Knockout Round of the Champions League. Celtic would be able to add a level of competition to the EPL right away, and there is very little doubt that the team would be able to stay in the league after the first year of play.