In 2005/06, Strachan’s first season, Celtic rebounded from losing the title the previous year to comfortably win the Scottish Premier League, finishing 17 points clear of Rangers. They also lifted the League Cup, with players like Shunsuke Nakamura, John Hartson, and Maciej Żurawski starring, though they suffered an early Champions League exit to Artmedia Bratislava.
The 2006/07 season saw further success: Celtic retained the league title, won the Scottish Cup, and reached the Champions League last 16 for the first time, famously defeating Manchester United at Celtic Park thanks to Nakamura’s iconic free kick.
