Scottish giants Celtic got their French pre-season tour underway with a 1-1 draw against Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice. Neil Lennon’s side started the game in the ascendancy and soon had the ball in the back of the net courtesy of Odsonne Edouard. Although the replays did seem to show the Frenchman to be in an onside position, the VAR officials went on to disallow the goal. It was the French team that struck next in the game though as Kasper Dolberg left the Celtic defence in tatters before stroking past a spectating Scott Bain.
The second half started with the game taking up an end-to-end rhythm, with neither team able to create too many clear cut openings. Soon enough, both managers made their substitutions for the evening, with Celtic introducing a whole new eleven. The likes of Karamoko Dembele and Ewan Henderson impressed before Patryk Klimala stole the spotlight with a predatory moment in the Nice box and equalised. The young forward continued to work his socks off, but unfortunately, the Bhoys were unable to find a winner in the time allotted.
Here Are The Celtic Player Ratings Vs Nice:
Celtic Player Ratings Vs Nice
Scott Bain – 6.5
The stopper wasn’t called into action on too many occasions tonight, but was required to make a couple of smart saves over the course of the ninety. Didn’t look overly uncomfortable at any point.
Greg Taylor – 6.5
The 22-year-old was allowed a decent amount of running room down his end as both teams primarily looked to attack. Played some decent crosses, but misplaced a couple of simple passes.
Christopher Jullien – 6
The big centre-half could’ve positioned himself better at certain instances during that tie, but overall didn’t have the worst of outings. Should’ve stood stronger ahead of the Nice opener.
Kristoffer Ajer – 6
The highly-rated defender showcased some of his qualities against the Nice forwards by not allowing them too much space to work the ball in. Got horribly caught out on multiple occasions though.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6.5
The youngster, like his full-back partner on the other side, was allowed acres of room to run into. Delivered a couple of delectable crosses, but needed to be a lot more dynamic at the back.
Scott Brown – 6.5
The veteran holding midfielder controlled the tempo of the game from the Celts’ engine room. Played some good forward passes to release the attackers, but got caught in midfield ahead of the Nice goal.
Callum McGregor – 6.5
The dependable midfielder played multiple impressive passes over the course of that fixture, but gave possession away on a couple of instances. Composed on the ball for the most part though.
James Forrest – 6.5
The 29-year-old did start the game looking extremely sharp, but his influence within the team was seen to be slowly dwindling. Played a couple of unnecessari loose passes as well.
Ryan Christie – 7.5
The attacker had some bright moments during the first-half, and it was his effort that led to the Edouard opening early on. Played some good passes in midfield, but wasted a golden chance to score.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 7
The Southampton loanee had a strong return to the Celtic first-team tonight as he was afforded an abundance of space. Linked up well with Edouard, but needs to be sharper in the final third.
Odsonne Edouard – 6.5
The Frenchman did have an influential outing leading the line today, but he wasted a flurry of decent chances in front of goal. Was probably unfortunate to have his early goal disallowed for offside.
Substitutes
Hatem Abd Elhamed – 6
Was put under a little bit of pressure by the Nice forwards in the final stages of the tie, but held his own and didn’t make any mistakes.
Boil Bolingoli – 6
The full-back misplaced a couple of passes, but tried to push the team forward with his energetic approach on the night.
Scott Robertson – 6
Some good touches in midfield from the youngster as he got a taste of football at this level. Tried to get forward at times as well.
Ismaila Soro – 6
Wasn’t really able to affect the tie too much after coming on, but made some good passes in the midfield area.
Olivier Ntcham – 6.5
Had a couple of decent opportunities to take the shot on, but sent his better effort straight into a Nice defender. Moved the ball around with confidence.
Ewan Henderson – 6.5
The youngster showed great awareness and passing ability after coming as he knit together a couple of decent Celtic attacks.
Karamoko Dembele – 7
The speedster was a sensation after coming on as he left the Nice defenders for dead on multiple occasions. Direct and supremely decisive in possession too.
Patryk Klimala – 7.5
The forward was thrown on by Lennon in the second half in the hope of finding an equaliser. That’s exactly what Klimala did when he charged the keeper down to win the ball before tapping into an empty net.
