Never before a defeat would have felt such sweet at Celtic Park as the stadium was bouncing at the end when the score read RB Salzburg 2 and Celtic 1. Rosenborg managed to pull the Hoops out of jail as they scored a late equaliser against RB Leipzig which ensured an entry to the knockout stage for Brendan Rodgers’ men.
Coming to the game, Celtic rode their luck in the first half and Rodgers would have been glad that his side went in level at halftime. The away side dominated the proceedings and had numerous chances to score. Salzburg did to the Hoops what they usually do their opponents in the Premiership as the Austrian champions created waves of attack and pressed high up the pitch. When Celtic were able to beat the press, they got in decent situations but the Bhoys weren’t able to find the right ball in the final third.
Celtic looked like a better side in the second half but Salzburg’s persistence paid off and Moanes Dabour opened the scoring for his side. All seemed to be going wrong when Craig Gordon pulled off a ‘Karius’ moment which allowed the Austrian champions to double their lead. Olivier Ntcham scored a penalty late into the game but it was of little matter as Rosenborg had held Leipzig to a draw, their only point in the group.
Craig Gordon 6
Stood tall in goal and showed his quality with some top saves. However, would be disappointed to let the first goal go in when he got his body onto it. The second goal was comical but in the end, it didn’t cost his team in the bigger picture.
Mikael Lustig N/A
His night was ended early after a bad collision and an awkward fall.
Filip Benkovic 6.5
Worked really hard defensively. Read the situation well and made some good interceptions. Could be blamed for the first goal as he got attracted to the ball when the cross came in. Played the last few minutes up front and won a penalty.
Jozo Simunovic 5
Had some nervy moments in possession. Tough game for the Croatian as Salzburg kept on creating lots of chances.
Kieran Tierney 7
Drove forward with intent whenever he had the opportunity and stood tall in defence.
Callum Mcgregor 5.5
Salzburg’s pressing was tough for McGregor to handle and he gave away the ball on quite a few occasions. Had a tough game on the defensive front.
Tom Rogic 5
Inconsistent for the most parts. Gave away the ball cheaply but also picked up some good passes when he was able to beat the initial press.
Ryan Christie 6
Came down with a nasty injury. Worked hard as he was almost everywhere on the pitch. Not much joy while going forward. Was tenacious but had to chase the ball for the most parts.
James Forrest 5.5
Got some chances to make his typical runs but wasn’t too effective, Had to concentrate more on the defensive front. Persevered well but nothing special to talk about
Scott Sinclair 4.5
Couldn’t get much into the game in the first half. Was substituted at halftime
Odsonne Edouard 4
Wasteful whenever he had a bit of space in the final third. Poor game from the French striker as he was always hurried into making a mistake by Salzburg’s midfield and defence.
Substitutes
Kristoffer Ajer 4
Almost made a suicidal back pass which luckily went unpunished. Wasn’t able to put in decent crosses when he had the opportunity from the right flank. Might have already wrapped up the miss of the season award as he failed to guide the ball in from 3 yards when the ball itself looked like going in from Benkovic’s effort.
Scott Brown 6
Brought some calmness in the second half and looked decent on the night.
Olivier Ntcham 5
Kept his cool to score the rebound from a penalty. Did alright after he came on.
Tore Reginiussen 10
Not a Celtic man but the man who ensured qualification for the Hoops when he scored the equaliser against RB Leipzig. A legend in one part of Glasgow for tonight.
