Celtic travelled to A. Le Coq Arena to complete the formality for the second round of the Champions League qualifier as they took on Nomme Kalju after being 5-0 up from the first leg. The Hoops got the job done away from home as well as they secured a 2-0 win.
The game provided Lennon with a chance to make wholesale changes to the starting eleven. Celtic were clearly the better side as they were cruising for the most parts in the first half and they controlled the game. Michael Johnston was a constant threat down the left and he played a big part in the opening goal in the 10th minute. It was awarded as an own goal in the end but Griffiths would have anyway put it in if Aleksandr Kulinitš didn’t get there first.
The Scottish champions were slightly complacent in the second half and Kalju were presented with few decent goal scoring chances which they failed to take. Celtic too should have got more but they had to wait right till the end as Marian Shved fired a pile driver from his left foot just from the edge of the box to wrap up the game on the night.
Here is how Lennon’s men fared.
Craig Gordon 7
Made one straightforward save in the second half. Apart from that, wasn’t troubled much.
Christopher Jullien 7
Played his first competitive game and looked good. Wasn’t tested much but was pretty robust.
Jozo Simunovic 6.5
Moved the ball well from the back. Had a comfortable game overall
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo 6.5
Worked tirelessly down the left and was involved in a lot of attacking play. Linked up play well with Johnston. Could be better with his final ball.
Anthony Ralston 6
Made some smart headed clearances at the back post. Wasted a few opportunities while going forward by taking some long-range attempts.
Nir Bitton 7
Showed his versatility by playing in midfield and looked at ease throughout the game.
Scott Brown 7
Almost gave away the clean sheet in the end with a bit of sloppy play at the back. Apart from that, a faultless game for the captain.
Olivier Ntcham 7.5
Found himself in some good space and was able to drive the ball forward. Made some incisive passes and looked sharp.
Michael Johnston 8
Most of Celtic’s attack were coming from his side down the left. Was usually surrounded by 2-3 players but kept taking them on and got the better of them often. Assisted the first goal.
Lewis Morgan 6
Overhit some of his crosses. Worked hard but wasn’t too precise with his final ball.
Leigh Griffiths 7
Seems to be getting back to his best. Looked sharp and linked up play well. Wasn’t presented with too many clear cut opportunities.
Substitutes
Scott Sinclair 6.5
Came close to scoring with a brilliant attempt from the edge of the box.
Marian Shved 7
Scored a thunderbolt and gave a small glimpse of what Celtic fans can see from their new player. Could have scored a brace as he missed a one on one earlier.
Ryan Christie N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
