Celtic earned what could prove to be a vital point in their quest for European progression after a 2-2 draw away at Bologna.
Martin O’Neill’s side played over an hour with ten men and put in a dogged defensive display take something from the Serie A side. They now sit on eight points in the standings and a win in their final match against Dutch side Utrecht next Thursday could earn them a place in the Europa League play-offs.
Celtic raced into the lead on five minutes through Reo Hatate, but the Japanese blotted his copybook with two bookings by the 34-minute mark. Despite the red card, Celtic nabbed a second just before the break when Auston Trusty netted.
Celtic needed the two-goal cushion as they came under siege in the second half. Thijs Dallinga (58) and Jonathan Rowe (72) managed to breach Celtic’s resistance, but they defending manfully and resisted more than 30 shots to take a point back to Glasgow.
Here are the Celtic player ratings from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
5. Kieran Tierney
Showed how his fitness levels have improved with a really impressive show in defence. Dealt with Orsolini neatly when Bologna's star man came on. Can be very pleased with his work. 8 | AFP via Getty Images
6. Callum McGregor
A vital tackle in the first half stopped a goal. Pulled across the backline as he desperately tried to act as a sentry to his defence. 7 | Getty Images
7. Arne Engels
Tested to the max defensively as Bologna drove forward in the second half. Good on the ball and flicked on a corner for Trusty to score Celtic's second goal. Replaced by Bernardo as he started to tire. 7 | Getty Images
8. Reo Hatate
An eventful 34 minutes in Bologna. Tapped home in front of an open goal after Maeda squared for him early on. Picked two bookings in quick succession and should have displayed more discipline given his experience. 4 | Getty Images