Celtic put in a shift of epic proportions to earn a crucial Europa League point against Bologna.
Martin O’Neill’s side were immense as Celtic drew with Bologna to put in another reputable away performance as the Bhoys edge closer to European knockout football.
Reo Hatate was Celtic’s hero and villain after the Japan midfielder’s goal was cancelled out with his petulant red card after two yellows in five minutes.
Was Auston Trusty your man of the match against Bologna?
With Celtic on the backfoot, it took an enormous effort to earn the draw in Bologna as Europa League qualification now looks odds-on.
And Opta’s stats on the game show just how herculean Celtic’s effort in Bologna was.
- READ MORE: Martin O’Neill barks back at Celtic critics and praises ‘breathless’ Europa League draw vs Bologna
Celtic’s stats vs Bologna as Martin O’Neill’s side put in defensive masterclass
Watching the game on TV did not do Celtic’s performance justice in Italy. However, the Opta stats do as the Hoops put in a superb defensive shift to earn a crucial away point.
- Bologna had 36 shots on goal
- Celtic possession: 29%
- Bologna xG: 2.46
In the cold light of day, Celtic’s performance was superb despite the Bhoys surrendering a two-goal lead.
To come away from Italy with anything is a massive bonus and O’Neill should be proud of his players.
Martin O’Neill praises ‘breathless’ Celtic
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill was blown away by his Hoops side as he praised the effort and heart the Bhoys put into the draw in Bologna.
O’Neill said, “Well, it was breathless and I still am, but it was a magnificent effort by the team.
“They put heart and soul into it. I mean to play, what, 60 odd minutes, whatever it was, with 10 men, to show the sort of character that that supposedly is lacking in this team, I don’t see it. I don’t see it at all.
“I see heart and desire in big waves. And it’s really welcoming to see. However we got a goal. Might have been bad play by them, but we’ve got a goal.
“We press them, we press them, we press them. We’re playing some delightful stuff.
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