Reigning Premiership champions Celtic got their Europa League campaign off to the worst possible start after falling to a frustrating 3-1 defeat at the hands of Italian heavyweights AC Milan at Celtic Park tonight. The home side started the tie looking eager to take the game to the Serie A club, but since the point when Milan scored the opening goal, there were really only one team in the match. The Italians then went on to double their lead just minutes before the half-time whistle. Although Mohamed Elyounoussi got one back for the Celts in the second half, the Rossoneri picked up a third goal in the late stages to ensure that they took all three points back to the San Siro on this occasion.
Here Are The Celtic Player Ratings Vs AC Milan:
Celtic Player Ratings Vs AC Milan
Vasilis Barkas – 6
The Greek keeper wasn’t necessarily to blame for any of the goals that Celtic conceded tonight, but he should arguably offer a better presence when dealing with aerial balls into the area.
Stephen Welsh – 4
The youngster got caught out of position on multiple instances and should’ve been a lot more solid ahead of the opening goal. Still far too inexperienced to be playing against teams like Milan.
Shane Duffy – 4
The big Irishman had a night to forget in the heart of defence as he was given the runaround far too often by the tricky Milan attackers. Was beaten all ends up on the lead up to the late goal as well.
Kristoffer Ajer – 6.5
The Norwegian centre-half, unlike his two central defensive partners, actually put in a solid shift in the heart of defence. Made multiple key tackles and blocks to ensure that Milan didn’t run riot.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6
The speedster tried to get forward and link up the play on every opportunity he got, but was unable to produce the required end product. Worked hard tracking back despite having a rather torrid time.
Scott Brown – 4
The skipper was largely responsible for slowing the Celts down as a lot of his passing was either sideways or backwards. Didn’t offer too much of his usual defensive stability either.
Olivier Ntcham – 5
The Frenchman had a couple of decent efforts at goal, but wasn’t great on the ball. Needs to add more control as well as creativity to his general attacking play.
Callum McGregor – 5
Although the Scot tried to link up the play, a lot his passes were misplaced all through the ninety. Far from his worst performance in a Celtic shirt but nowhere close to his best either.
Diego Laxalt – 7
The Milan loanee showed his parent club exactly what he’s capable of with his movement down the flank. Got forward and past opposition defenders with ease and played some good crosses too.
Leigh Griffiths – 4
The striker failed to have any sort of impact on the game as he struggled to even control the ball for the duration he was on the pitch. Needs to work on his match sharpness before starting again.
Albian Ajeti – 6
Despite not having the best of games, the Swiss striker showed glimpses of his quality in the second half. Looked much more comfortable after Celtic moved to a back four and he was up front alone.
Substitutes
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 7
The Southampton loanee came into the tie as a breath of fresh air, in what was a questionable display from the Celtic attackers to that point. Scored a good header as well.
Tom Rogic – 7
The midfielder showed his quality on various instances during the final knockings of the game, and proved to Neil Lennon that he deserves to start on the weekend.
Ryan Christie – 6
The attacker was brought into the tie in the second half, and his effect on the match was apparent to see from the first minute he entered. Controlled and collected in possession of the ball.
Patryk Klimala – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Greg Taylor – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
