Celtic travelled to the Telia Parken Stadium to take on Copenhagen in the first leg of the Europa League. The Scottish giants managed a 1-1 draw after a pulsating encounter where the game was of two different halves.
The away team had two great chances in the first few minutes, but Odsonne Edouard was denied by Karl-Johan Johnsson well. However, the Frenchman buried the third chance with an excellent finish. Celtic were quite dominant in the first half, and they deserved their lead.
Copenhagen came out transformed in the second 45 and Celtic were outplayed for large parts. N’Doye equalised in the 52nd minute. The home team could have nicked the game as the referee awarded them a penalty after seeing the incident on the monitor where Christie was guilty of handballing. However, Forster was able to rescue his side, and the Hoops hung on to a 1-1 draw.
Here is how Lennon’s men fared.
Celtic Players Rated In Their Pulsating Draw Vs FC Copenhagen
Fraser Forster 8
Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal as it was well finished. Made a significant contribution when he kept out a penalty from Stage in the last quarter of the game.
Jonny Hayes 6
Gave away far too much space to the opposition for them to cross in the second half. Could have been tighter to his man. Set-up one brilliant chance for Edouard but the Frenchman missed.
Christopher Jullien 7.5
Had a fierce battle with N’Doye and did his job for the most parts. Stood tall in the final quarter of the game when Celtic were under pressure.
Kristoffer Ajer 7
Made one crucial tackle early on in the game to rescue a situation in the box. Was caught out of position a few times as he tried to take the ball.
Jeremie Frimpong 4
Wasn’t able to affect the game much in the first half. Was wasteful in possession a few times. Was tested defensively in the second 45 and the youngster found it hard to keep Oviedo and later on Bengtsson in check. Substituted in the second half after he was giving away far too much space to the opponents to cross.
Scott Brown 6.5
Controlled the game well in the first half. However, he was tested defensively in the second period and was caught in transition a few times. Made a clumsy tackle for which he was booked. Lennon took him off most probably for precautionary measure later on in the game.
Olivier Ntcham 5
Had a tidy first half but was poor at the start of the second half. Guilty of trying an audacious turn in his own half which led to a goal. Substituted around the 60th minute.
Callum McGregor 6.5
Assisted the first goal with a simple pass. Had one brilliant chance on the break but surprisingly he took the selfish option when Edouard was in the open. Failed to control the midfield in the second half as Copenhagen pressed him well.
Ryan Christie 6.5
Set up Edouard brilliantly in the first minute of the game but the Frenchman missed. Was involved in quite a few attacks and linked up play well. The penalty was slightly harsh, but his hand was hanging a bit out of place. Had to do a lot of defensive work in the second 45.
James Forrest 6
Did a decent job in the first half but like most of his team-mates, had to do a lot of chasing in the second 45. Not at his best as he failed to provide his usual threat with his direct running.
Odsonne Edouard 6
Could have easily had a hattrick in the first half but credit to the opposition goalkeeper for saving his first two chances. Dinked the ball smartly for the goal. Squandered another big opportunity in the second half. Could have been more clinical as he scored one goal out of 4 decent chances.
Substitutes
Mohamed Elyounoussi N/A
Was hardly involved after coming on as Celtic were busy in defending.
Jozo Simunovic N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Nir Bitton 5
Came on to see off the game and made some professional fouls to ensure that Celtic were level in the end.
