Former Celtic man Jeremie Frimpong conceded a penalty as Real Betis drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.
In a decision that seemed pretty harsh on the former Bhoys defender, Betis striker Borja Iglesias took advantage. VAR had the final say, and it’s a result that maybe – just maybe – helps Celtic out a bit.
Betis, who put Celtic to the sword in Seville, looked good value for a dramatic win against many’s favourites to top Group G [UEFA]. However, William Carvalho’s weak clearance allowed Robert Andrich to score.
Leverkusen looked better-placed to add to their goal, despite going behind earlier. In an entertaining game, neither team were particularly convincing. But late on, it looked as if Bayer’s array of attacking talents had the physical edge over Betis.
Alas, for the Germans, no goal came.
The result leaves it as you were, with Leverkusen and Betis equal on points, and Celtic in third.
What does this mean for Celtic in the Europa League?
Simply put, it doesn’t change a lot. According to the 67 Hail Hail super-computer (Hamish Carton), this is actually the result Celtic wanted.
A draw in Seville tonight benefits Celtic. Ideally, in the next round of fixtures, Celtic would beat Ferencvaros and Leverkusen beat Betis to create a more linear race for second.
If Celtic nab a point in Leverkusen, and Betis beat Ferencvaros, then it sets us up for a do-or-die (or, do-or-qualify-for-the-Europa Conference) against Real Betis at Parkhead on the 9th of December.
Foremost, from tonight, there are signs that Betis and Leverkusen can actually – whisper it – be beaten. Fine, this was a draw, but both teams have definite weaknesses to exploit. In the case of Betis, we know that.
But Leverkusen don’t look as impenetrable as they once did. Their 5-1 shellacking from Bayern Munich [BBC] exposed some real defensive frailties, albeit against one of the best attacks in world football.
Are we getting carried away because we just beat Ferencvaros? Incredibly possible. But tonight’s Europa League outcomes are very interesting indeed.
Read more: When Celtic can bring Boli Bolingoli back into European contention
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