CELTIC PARK was a European wonderland last night as Neil Lennon’s side upped the tempo against Rennes in their 3-1 Europa League Group E triumph.
There was the usual electrifying atmosphere under the lights in the east end of Glasgow and there was the joyous start to a memorable evening even before a ball had been kicked when the visiting French supporters joined in with the Hoops followers in a stirring rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone‘.
Boss Lennon had asked his players to deliver a victory to ensure their 100 per cent home record in the section following previous wins over Cluj (2-0) and Lazio (2-1). His players did not let him down. They didn’t exactly burst out of the blocks, but once they settled into a new-look formation, with Lewis Morgan leading the attack in place of Odsonne Edouard, they picked up the pace and it was too much for the French side.
Morgan thumped in a textbook opener in the 21st minute and the inexhaustible Ryan Christle doubled the advantage with a slick effort from just outside the box that foxed keeper Edouard Mendy in first-half stoppage-time.
Adding to the party atmosphere, Mikey Johnston made his first appearance for the club since being injured in the 2-0 victory at Ibrox at the start of September and, within seven minutes of his entrance in the 67th minute, he had lashed No.3 into the net.
It was an enjoyable evening and CQN‘s ace snappers were there as usual to capture the action. Here is the pick of the pics.
ON THE RUN…Moritz Bauer storms past a Rennes defender.
SKIPPER TO THE RESCUE…Scott Brown arrives to aid Lewis Morgan who is tangled up with a French defender.
EYES ON THE BALL…Ryan Christie is a study in concentration as he drives forward.
FOR MY NEXT TRICK…wing wizard James Forrest prepares to bewilder a Rennes defender.
GREEN FOR GO…Celtic fans bathed in emerald.
HOW ABOUT THAT? Ryan Christie enjoys the acclaim of the fans after his superb strike.
UP AND AT ‘EM…Christopher Jullien takes on the Rennes defence.
THUMP…Olivier Ntcham crashes a right-foot shot at goal.
ACTION REPLAY…Ntcham tries again with another right-foot drive.
BEST FOOT FORWARD…Lewis Morgan creates menace.
BY THE LEFT…Greg Taylor on the attack on his Hoops’ European debut.
YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE…the image captures the spirit of the sentiments perfectly.
HOLD ON THERE…Callum McGregor is in control, despite the close attentions of an opponent.
BY THE LEFT…substitute Leigh Griffiths tries his luck with a thunderous shot near the end.
