Mista: "Celtic fans are some of the noisiest in the world"

The last time that Valencia CF played at Celtic Park was on December 6th, 2001. A goal by Henrik Larsson in that game levelled the tie for the Scottish side, taking the contest into a penalty shootout. The decisive spot kick was converted by Mista, who remembers the occasion well and is excited about this Thursday's return to the legendary stadium.

"What surprised me most was the atmosphere at Celtic Park," recalls the former striker. "Their fans are some of the nosiest in the world, and when there's a corner or a throw-in close to the opposition box, the fans roar as if it were a goal. That's always a boost for their players. When they pulled the tie back level in 2001, the fans pushed hard. We were able to hold on until the end and managed to go through."

"We'd gone past the first five penalties and into sudden death. Cañizares had saved their spot kick, then it was my turn and I scored. I was clear from the start that I was going to hit the ball hard," he says about the famous penalty.

"The team are in good form at this point of the season. They are growing and gaining confidence constantly. The UEFA Europa League is a nice tournament; there are some big teams still in the competition this year and any side would like to win it."