Hoops in UEFA loop and O'Neill all smiles
The runaway Primera Liga leaders booked their place in the latter stages of the competition with AC Milan but they were punished for failing to kill off the Hoops, who went some way to healing the wounds of Saturday's shameful Old Firm defeat.
Barcelona were flying after their 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the weekend and they were expected to run up another emphatic win after an opener from Samuel Eto'o. But through bad finishing they paid the price with John Hartson enhancing his chances of a new contract by giving Martin O'Neill something to smile about on the stroke of half-time.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill heaped praise on his players.
The surprise draw revived Celtic's hopes of staying in Europe beyond Christmas as it took them a point above Shakhtar Donetsk in Group F with just one game remaining.
It was also the first time Barcelona had dropped points at home this season and it was Celtic's first away point in the Champions League under O'Neill.
He said: "I take flak every single day so this week has been no different. I thought the effort of the players tonight was just phenomenal against an absolutely brilliant team and a side that beat Real Madrid here a few days ago.
"They are seven points clear in their league and to come here and do what we did tonight was just phenomenal."
The Champions League dream might be over but they are now in pole position for a consolation place in the UEFA Cup with just one game against AC Milan left.
O'Neill made the point of going over to Neil Lennon at the final whistle and saluting the travelling supporters in a show of solidarity.
"Tonight was important for us to get something out of the game and put it into our own hands for the final game against AC Milan.
"We had nine of the side that played in the UEFA Cup final and I suppose that's a mark of what they've achieved over the four and a half years. No doubt about it, we need fresh blood but these players have shown what they are capable of.
"It's a great effort by the team and sometimes it's forgotten. They're a credit to the football club and, remarkably, they're a credit to the SPL."
Barcelona head coach Frank Rijkaard labelled Celtic's style "`anti-football" but praised the way in which they battled back from the dead to earn a point.
La Liga's runaway leaders had the chances to have killed the game off before John Hartson pounced on the stroke of half-time.
"There wasn't a lack of concentration," said Rijkaard. "We did well at the beginning and scored a goal. The goal Celtic scored could have been avoided and if you look at the stats we had 20 shots on goal and 70% of possession.
"But every match is hard and every opposition can play how they like. Celtic needed to the result so I am not crying over the football played.
"It might have been different had we scored but at 1-1 Celtic closed up which was almost anti-football if you put nine men behind the ball.
"But I have to congratulate Celtic. It is not a victory for the fans or football and maybe Celtic will get beat next time if they change their style."
:Valdes, Belletti, Puyol, Oleguer, Sylvinho (Van Bronckhorst 45), Xavi, Marquez, Deco, Giuly (Iniesta 60), Eto'o, Ronaldinho.
: Hedman, Agathe, Balde, Valgaeren, Varga (Camara 65), McNamara, Petrov, Lennon, Thompson (Wallace 86), Sutton, Hartson.
: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).
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