Football: M PEOPLE; Magical, mighty & merciless - that's what Europe's saying about O'Neill's sizzling Celts.

CELTIC were yesterday hailed by Lyon players and the European media after Tuesday's stunning Champions League triumph.

And the French club's Brazilian defender Edmilson reckoned the ``magical'' atmosphere inside Parkhead inspired Martin's O'Neill's men to surge

to their 2-0 win.

Edmilson, a World Cup winner last year, could barely believe the noise the fans made to help Celtic ignite their Champions League challenge.

And he is convinced it was the major reason for his teammates' second-half collapse after they had looked so dangerous before the break.

Edmilson said: ``The atmosphere? There is no other word it was magical. It must inspire Celtic to play in front of such passion and it is a great arena.

``We didn't really have many chances but it's very regrettable the way our team collapsed after the first goal.

``But the fact that Bayern Munich only drew with Anderlecht is in our favour. If we beat them in our next game, we'll be in a good position.''

Team-mate Florent Malouda agreed the atmosphere helped Celtic but believes Lyon were their own worst enemies.

He said: ``You could feel the supporters pushing Celtic on.

``It's a huge disappointment not to bring anything back from Glasgow in spite of a good first half and especially after Gregory Coupet's great penalty save from Alan Thompson.

``Unfortunately, all that did was push back our demise.

``We lacked concentration at vital times you could see that in the goals. They were similar moves and caused by our carelessness.''

Coupet took little consolation from his first-half spot-kick stop and said: ``Their player was left footed and I know he likes that position for his strikes so I concentrated and got it right.

``But there's little to take from the game.''

Lyon captain Patrick Muller said: ``We lost the discipline we'd shown before the break, and had our keeper not performed miracles the result could have been even worse.''

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said: ``We bowed to Celtic's fitness more and more after starting the game well. Coupet delayed the outcome but we ended up yielding.''

The French media were quick to praise Celtic after the win that lifts them above Lyon in Group A on goal difference.

Sports daily L'Equipe said: ``Lyon fell apart. They fell from a great height in Glasgow they were too overpowered in battle to thrive by playing football.

``Coupet did what he could. He saved Thompson's penalty and held out for an hour before giving in like the rest of them.''

Le Figaro said: ``Lyon swallow a mouthful. A bad night's work for Lyon, who were unable to resist the Scots' frenzied approach in their Celtic Park den.''

Tabloid Aujourd'Hui en France said: ``Lyon exploded under pressure. Their players only held out until half-time in the hell of Celtic Park.

``They were too timid, allowing the Scots to go on the attack after the break and the verdict was merciless.''

Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport joined in the chorus of praise, headlining their report: ``Mighty Celtic''.

They said: ``Grit, running and two knockout blows floor Lyon. Celtic got their victory thanks to sheer heart, hard running and athleticism.''

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