Celtic’s remarkable Group E record continued as goals from Lewis Morgan, Ryan Christie and Mikey Johnston helped us to an emphatic 3-1 win over hapless Rennes. Neil Lennon’s men have now won four of their five group matches and are guaranteed to finish top of the section with one match to go.
Here are our player ratings from another magical Celtic Park night.
Fraser Forster – 8
The Englishman was a spectator for the majority of the first-half but soon rose to the occasion when needed after the break. He made three quite stunning stops, including a miraculous double save at the start of the second-half. That’s the sign of a really good keeper. Was faultless for the late consolation header.
Moritz Bauer – 6
The Austrian looks like a pretty dependable third choice right-back. A little erratic at times, but he makes up for that with his effort in attack and defence. Swung in a number of tempting deliveries.
Christopher Jullien – 7
The big Frenchman is just growing with every match. Jullien looks strong, quick and alert at European level – which is a mega compliment. He will be a huge player for us in the knockout round.
Kristoffer Ajer – 7
The Norwegian was widely criticised for his performance in the original clash between the sides in Brittany. That display came at a time of uncertainty for Ajer but he has since re-found his form at the heart of defence. Just like Jullien, he is growing with every passing match.
Greg Taylor – 7
Taylor put in an impressive shift on the left given it was his European debut for the club. He linked well with James Forrest and put in a good solid defensive display too. The most pleasing aspect of Taylor’s game is that you feel he’s only getting warmed up. He has a lot to offer in the coming weeks and months.
Scott Brown – 6
It seemed like Broony’s main task of the evening was to make sure he got a booking. Such a feat means he will serve a suspension in our final group stage clash in Romania. But him missing that game is much better than the ban coming in the last 32. The skipper was still good, but it’s fair to say that other outshone him on a stunning night.
Callum McGregor – 6
Celtic’s midfield magician was exactly what he has been for the past two years. Quick, vibrant and industrious – the midfielder really does have it all. A well earned rest beckons for him in Romania.
Ryan Christie – 8
Christie has been our talisman in the Europa League thus far. He’s netted three goals now in five matches and contributed much else. His long range strike shouldn’t have been allowed in by Edouard Mendy but the goalkeeper’s mistake gave Christie a reward he deserved.
Olivier Ntcham – 7
The Frenchman showed all his talent on the European stage again with a wonderful display. His ability in possession is so important for us on the continent and helped to create a number of chances against Rennes. It’s just a shame that we have so many talented midfielders at the club. Otherwise he’d be a starter every week.
James Forrest – 7
Forrest was lively once again on his less natural left-wing role. He created a number of half opportunities with his delivery before being taken off with the game well out of sight.
Lewis Morgan – 8
The former St. Mirren man was the big talking point ahead of kick-off as Neil Lennon handed him his first start since the cup tie against Thistle in September. He answered all the negativity with a terrific performance including the opening goal – which was expertly taken. Hopefully the youngster can look back at tonight as the moment his Celtic career caught fire.
Substitutes
Mikey Johnston (7) marked his return from a near three month lay-off by scoring a terrific third goal past Mendy. Leigh Griffiths (5) and Nir Bitton (5) didn’t really have much of a time to impact the game.
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