Celtic are through to the play-off stage of the Europa League knockouts after hammering Utrecht.
The side knew that three points were all they needed to guarantee qualification and got off to the perfect start when top scorer Benjamin Nygren turned home Kieran Tierney’s cross.
Vasilis Barkas said he was looking forward to returning to Celtic but would have wanted the ground to swallow him up after his poor backpass was intercepted by Nygren minutes later, who laid the ball across for Daizen Maeda, only for Nick Viergaver to steer it into his own net.
Things got even better when a VAR review accused the Utrecht defender of handling the ball from Auston Trusty’s header, allowing Arne Engels to rifle home from the penalty spot and go 3-0 up inside 16 minutes.
As half time got closer, the Hoops began to take their foot off the gas ever so slightly and were made to pay for their sloppiness as Dani de Wit, who was penalised for handball, grabbed a consolation.
Nerves were then really tested as Utrecht then made it 3-2 with a shot from distance that Kasper Schmeichel could only get a hand to.
It looked to be a nailbiter but then Trusty redeemed himself from last weekend’s red card with a great header from the corner to book their place in the next phase.
Benjamin Nygren was the standout player, but who else impressed for Celtic?
Tell us who you thought impressed?
Celtic player ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 4
How many times have we seen him get a fingertip to the ball only for it to fly into the back of the net this season? Beyond frustrating.
Colby Donovan – 5
Few lapses of concentration here and there. Not helped by his winger at times, admittedly.
Auston Trusty – 6
Owed it to his teammates to produce a good display after his sending off at the weekend. Won the penalty and got a goal so a job well done in the end.
Liam Scales – 5
Did okay in spells but not his best game by any means. Struggled with his aerial and ground duels.
Kieran Tierney – 6
Great assist for Nygren’s opener. Wasn’t directly at fault for any goals but still in a back four that conceded sloppy goals.
Callum McGregor (C) – 6
Kept the things ticking over with his constant passing, both short and long-range. Does the basics well and isn’t required to do anything more.
Arne Engels – 7
Smashed home that penalty like his life depended on it and delivered a brilliant corner for Trusty to head home.
Benjamin Nygren – 8
Was involved in two of the three goals, and continues his prolific run of form. He has his fair share of critics and I’m not sure why. Hasn’t always played in his best position but was the standout tonight.
Are Celtic fans too harsh towards Benjamin Nygren?
Another goal and assist on the charts
Hyunjun Yang – 4
Very quiet game from the winger. Takes too much time on the ball on some occasions and struggled to beat his man.
Sebastian Tounekti – 4
Was very lazy for the first goal and didn’t offer anything at all. Needs to start showing more.
Daizen Maeda – 7
Much better when it came to pressing from the front and helped play a part in the second goal. Sadly it went down as an own goal, but this was much better than what we saw against Hearts.
Substitutes
James Forrest – 5
Kelechi Iheanacho – 5
Luke McCowan – 5
Paulo Bernardo – 5
Dane Murray – N/A
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