It was a matter of pride for Celtic tonight when they visited San Siro to lock horns with A.C. Milan. Despite the dismal run of form, Neil Lennon is still in charge of the Glasgow giants and a result against the Rossoneri could still have salvaged their reputation. The Hoops had a perfect start too when they earned a surprise 2-0 lead within 15 minutes, but the shocking defending and lack of character allowed the hosts to script an immediate comeback and claim a 4-2 victory in this engaging Europa League encounter.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their shambolic defeat against A.C. Milan.
Vasilis Barkas: 5
Although it was a trademark free-kick goal from Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the Greek custodian’s decision-making would be under scrutiny after the match. He could have done little though to deny the strikes from Samu Castillejo, Jens Petter Hauge and Brahim Diaz.
Hatem Abd Elhamed: 4
Was not productive going forward and looked clueless at the back as he was completely outdone by Castillejo, Hauge and Diaz who fired in for Milan and secured an exciting comeback victory. Shocking display from the Israel international.
Nir Bitton: 5
Was all over the place during Castillejo’s goal. Could have done a lot better defensively in terms of closing down and positioning. Lacked pace, concentration, as well as quality needed to make an impression against such heavyweight opponents.
Kristoffer Ajer: 6
Tried his best to protect the Bhoys with his timely clearances and recoveries. Won most of the duels but was far from his best once again as the Norwegian is visibly lacking confidence.
Diego Laxalt: 5.5
Faced his parent club and tried his level best to leave a mark. But the Uruguayan was not enough creative in spite of his marauding runs and the composure essential to shine at the highest order was missing in his game all throughout.
Scott Brown: 5.5
No point playing someone twice a week who is in the mid-thirties and way past his prime. He never stops trying though as he did it once more while operating from the deep. The Scotsman, however, was late on most occasions and seemed worn out entirely while making way for Ismaila Sorro late in the match.
Callum McGregor: 5
A night to forget for the Scotland international who offered little creativity while carrying the ball forward and was found loitering lethargically when the hosts were staging swift attacking moves from the middle of the park. His passes were pointless and predictable.
Jeremie Frimpong: 7
Could have helped Elhamed more defensively who was on his toes whenever Milan were exploring the width of the pitch. Yet he impressed in the second half with his attacking movements and ambitious attempts from the right-hand flank.
Tom Rogic: 6.5
Had a bright start as he capitalized on Rade Krunic’s howler and beat past Gianluigi Donnarumma in early minutes to earn an unforeseen lead. Came close once more minutes later but became invisible as the game progressed. Got replaced by Olivier Ntcham midway through the second half.
Ryan Christie: 7
Assisted Odsonne Edouard who doubled the lead minutes after Rogic’s goal and was purposeful from the wide in terms of creating opportunities. His free-kick was denied spectacularly by Donnarumma which could have earned Celtic an equalizer with 20 minutes remaining. Was taken off for Patryk Klimala late in the outing.
Odsonne Edouard: 6.5
His only attempt ended up into the back of the net. The Frenchman had no impact otherwise with least touches among the outfield players who played 90 minutes (stats vis Fotmob).
Substitutes
Olivier Ntcham: 6
Tried to dribble past the opponents and spread the game by switching it down the wide.
Ismaila Sorro: 6
Injected fresh legs in the centre of the pitch as he tried to retain the shape and dominate the midfield game within his limitations.
Patryk Klimala: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
