Celtic secured a place in the next round of the Champions League qualifiers as they went past Bosnian champions Sarajevo with ease by winning the tie 5-2 on aggregate. At Celtic Park, they secured a 2-1 win in the second leg.
The Hoops were clearly the better side as they dominated the game after Sarajevo started the first few minutes brightly. Ryan Christie opened the scoring as he finished brilliantly with a very little backlift. Odsonne Edouard assisted the goal. Celtic were often unhappy as the opposition were coming in with rough challenges, but apart from that, they were hardly troubled in the first half.
The home side controlled the proceedings in the second half as well, but it was Sarajevo who scored first in the second 45 as they hit Celtic against the run of play. The goal was more or less inconsequential, and Celtic continued with their domination of the game. McGregor scored the from outside the box to give his side a 2-1 victory on the night.
Here is how Lennon’s men fared.
Scott Bain 6
Was hardly troubled in goal. Did a decent job with the ball at his feet. Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal as it was finished well.
Nir Bitton 6.5
Communicated well with his defensive partner and dealt with any dangers that the Bosnian side tried coming up with on the night. Was partly to be blamed for the goal his team conceded. Apart from that moment, a faultless performance.
Jozo Simunovic 7
An assured performance from Simunovic as he read the game well. Could have scored through a corner as he got a free header.
Boli Bolingoli Mbombo 7
Showed some impressive attacking intent. Could have done better in front of goal as he got himself into some space to unleash a few shots. Nevertheless, promising signs from the new player.
Kristoffer Ajer 8
Was outstanding in what is supposed to be an unfamiliar position as he played as a right back. His reading of the game was immaculate as he made some crucial interceptions and even carried the ball well from the back.
Scott Brown 7
Put in a decent shift in midfield and won some duels and moved the ball forward.
Callum McGregor 9
Orchestrated most of the Celtic attacks from midfield. Linked up play well, especially from the left side of the pitch. Scored the second goal from outside the box to cap off a brilliant game for the Scotsman.
Lewis Morgan 7.5
Definitely making his case to be a regular in Lennon’s set up as he was threatening from the flanks. Linked up play well and played some delightful one-two. Put in some dangerous low crosses from the right.
James Forrest 7
Started on the right but found more joy when he played from the left. Got some shots away but Sarajevo’s custodian had a good night in between the sticks. Made some excellent runs and linked up play well.
Ryan Christie 8
Was a live wire in and around the box. Finished brilliantly for the first goal. His link-up play with Morgan, Edouard and McGregor were often eye-catching.
Odsonne Edouard 7
His first touch sometimes let him down. Nevertheless, he had a bright game as he was involved in almost all of Celtic’s best attacks.
Substitutes
Leigh Griffiths N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Scott Sinclair N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Ewan Henderson N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
