Martin O’Neill and the Celtic coaching staff visited Estádio Nacional, the venue of the Lisbon Lions’ European Cup triumph in 1967.

Celtic are preparing for their Europa League clash with Benfica at Estádio da Luz on Thursday night, but O’Neill and his backroom team took the time to visit the iconic stadium where Billy McNeill lifted the big cup on that fateful night 59 years ago.

In images shared by Celtic online, O’Neill was joined by Mark Fotheringham, Ross Grant, Tom Boyd, Roy Aitken, Stephen McManus, and Michael McGovern. There was no Shaun Maloney, who was assumed to be with the squad to go through preparations for Thursday night’s showdown.

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🇵🇹🏟️ A special visit to the Estádio Nacional

#BenficaCeltic | #UEL | #CelticFC🍀 https://t.co/GMneC3ACHK

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 15, 2026

The 25th May 1967 is a story in Celtic history that will continue to be passed down to generations as 11 local lads stood tall to defeat Inter Milan.

That goal came in the most recent meeting at Estádio da Luz in November 2012, with Georgios Samaras netting in a 2-1 defeat. The Celts did go on to qualify for the Champions League last 16 that season, however.

No Celtic supporter will be under the illusion that tonight’s match will be easy. Benfica have lost just one of their last 14 fixtures and sit second in the league, while beating AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro in their Europa League opener.

Head coach Marco Silva issued a warning to the Hoops, saying they’re “in for a tough night”, as O’Neill’s men look to get their first points of the league phase.

The trip to Estádio Nacional was a nice moment for O’Neill and the rest to remember the greatest night in the club’s history.