Celtic renewed their rivalry with the Romanian heavyweights CFR Cluj after they were dumped out by them in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers in front of their home crowd earlier. Lennon’s men managed to banish those blues as they secured a 2-0 win.
The Hoops were off the blocks quickly and looked threatening as they created wave after wave of attacks. Jullien had a few free headers from set-pieces which he missed. Edouard finally put the home side in front after two brilliant balls from McGregor and then from Bolingoli. Cluj hardly tested Forster in the first 45.
The away team did conjure up a few half-chances in the second half, but Celtic always carried the threat on the counter. For the second goal, Elyounoussi managed to win the ball, and he set Forrest away on the counter. The Scotsman then squared it to Elyounoussi who got his first goal in Celtic colours. The Hoops could have added more goals, but Lennon won’t mind taking a 2-0 win tonight.
Here is how Celtic fared in their win.
Fraser Forster 7
Was a spectator in the first 45. Made one decent save in the second half. His handling was on point.
Christopher Jullien 7
Should have made more of his headers which he won in the opposition box. Defensively, made a few important blocks and interceptions but was largely untroubled.
Kristoffer Ajer 7
Continues to be a dominating force in defence. Calm and composed on the ball and always strong and committed in his challenges.
Hatem Abd Elhamed 8
A steady game for the summer signing. Defensively, he reads the dangers well and is often in the right position to douse them out. Supported well in attack when he pushed up the pitch.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo 7.5
Showed his improvement from the last time he faced this same opponent. Always looking to bomb forward at every opportunity. Assisted the first goal. Was a major threat on the left flank, especially in the first half. Did alright defensively.
Scott Brown 7.5
Was at his absolute best in the defensive midfield role. Moved the ball quickly and didn’t allow the Cluj players to close him down. Shielded the back four when required and got in the right positions to sniff out the danger. A vintage performance from the captain.
Callum McGregor 8
The Scotsman was at his best as he dictated the tempo and played some delightful through-passes. His impact went down a bit in the second half. However, his passing range was there for everyone to see and he played with a lot of intensity.
Ryan Christie 7
One of the hardest workers in the team and continued with that today as well. Pressed and harassed the Cluj players and never really gave them too much time on the ball. Took up some dangerous positions in the attacking third and linked up play well.
Mohamed Elyounoussi 7
Got his first goal which should help his confidence. Started off slowly but grew into the game. Worked hard and showed his tenacity. Looked threatening in the final third.
James Forrest 7.5
Made a few typical runs where he used his pace to good effect. Was calm in the box to pick out Elyounoussi for the second goal. Always willing to take his man on and kept their defence on edge
Odsonne Edouard 7
Took his goal well from close quarters via a header. Made some clever runs and linked up play well. Faded a bit in the second half.
Substitutes
Jonny Hayes N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Olivier Ntcham N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
