Celtic travelled to France to take on Rennes in their opening encounter in the Europa League. The reigning Scottish Champions secured a 1-1 draw on the night which could be seen as a positive result away from home.
The Hoops were very much in the game, and they looked like the better side in the first half. Elyounoussi came close to scoring, but he wasn’t able to provide the finishing touch to a low cross from Bolingoli. Rennes were playing very much on the break and Celtic shot themselves in the foot as Ajer gave away a stonewall penalty in the 38th minute which was converted by Niang. The home team went in with a 1-0 lead at half time.
Celtic found the equaliser just before the hour mark as Forrest was clipped inside the box and Ryan Christie scored confidently from the spot. The game was even stevens for the most part after that. Rennes enjoyed some good moments late on in the game, but Celtic held on.
Fraser Forster 6
Conceded from a penalty but apart from that wasn’t called into action much.
Christopher Jullien 8
Showed why the Hoops paid the big bucks for him this summer. An assured and calming influence at the back. Timed his challenges well and dealt with almost everything that was thrown at him.
Kristoffer Ajer 5
Gave away a needless penalty when Celtic were dominating the proceedings. Was often turned far too easily by the opposition. Improved after the break.
Hatem Abd Elhamed 6.5
Nothing too flashy but got the job done for most parts. Supported well in attack at times and held his own at the back.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo 6
Had to be substituted with an injury in the second half. Looked bright while going forward and delivered some threatening crosses. Still needs to improve on the defensive side of his game.
Scott Brown 8.5
Played the defensive midfield role to perfection. Shielded the backline and was quick and smart in moving the ball. A classic performance from the captain.
Callum McGregor 7.5
Made some incisive forward passes which allowed Celtic to dominate the proceedings. Played his part along with Brown by doing the defensive work well.
Ryan Christie 7
Often lacked the final product. However, he worked his socks off out of possession and scored the all-important equaliser from the spot.
Mohamed Elyounoussi 6
Looked lively in possession but wasn’t able to threaten much in the attacking third. Still needs some time to gel in with the squad. Substituted before the hour mark.
James Forrest 7
Wasn’t involved much in the first half but got going in the second 45. His nimble footedness bamboozled the opposition on various occasions, and the Scotsman earned the crucial penalty which allowed Celtic to equalise.
Odsonne Edouard 6
Had some poor touches to begin with and was unable to link up play effectively. However, improved as the game went on and played his part in some eye-catching moves.
Substitutes
Olivier Ntcham 7
Took one impressive attempt late on in the game. Looked impressive after he came on
Vakoun Issouf Bayo 4
Got booked twice in two minutes late in the game. The second one could be termed as slightly harsh as the ball was there to be won.
Jonny Hayes 6
Came on for the injured Bolingoli in the 70th minute and did his job defensively.
