Mudryk and defence enough to quell Celtic

317

For all Celtic are being criticised for their shoddy work in front of goal, it was Shakhtar Donetsk who missed the most glorious chance of this or any season.  They passed up an additional chance that was at least the equal of Kyogo’s effort that went straight to the keeper.

We knew the script Shakhtar would follow in advance: defend deep, seldom venture up field, then break with devastating pace.  Mykhaylo Mudryk was almost worth the entry money alone.  Josip Juranovic did well to get goal-side of him on 58 minutes but the Ukrainian no. 10 cut inside before unleashing a devastatingly good shot from inside the D.  The warning signs were there from a break down the Shakhtar left a few moments earlier.

Most of Celtic’s effective work came from their own left, where Greg Taylor and Sead Haksabanovic caused problems, especially in the first half.  Haksabanovic demonstrated his crossing ability when he whipped in a ball on 34 minutes.  Leil Abada again showed his predator’s timing by arriving in front of goal.  His shot deflected for Giorgos Giakoumakis, who made no mistake from 7 yards.

Kyogo should have put Celtic ahead soon after Shakhtar equalised after Giakoumakis slipped a ball through to him, but last season’s sharpness seems to have slipped for our talisman.

Although Abada was key in Celtic taking the lead, we were not as effective down the right until James Forrest came on, on 65 mins.  From that point, Shakhtar were more than happy to defend deep to protect their point and hope for chances on the break.

Matt O’Riley was again very impressive in the deep mid position.  He and Reo Hatate both tired with around 20 minutes to go.  The delay in bringing David Turnbull on until the 84th minute was odd, David’s energy tidied up what was previously an exhausted central midfield.

Lots of questions for another day as we take stock looking in the European mirror.

Click Here for Comments >
Share.

About Author

317 Comments

  1. Not that I am saying we are a better side than Napoli, but last time we played the huns, we were 3 up by this point.. ;)

     

     

    Get the finger out Napoli

  2. fourstonecoppi on

    Huns in Europe

     

     

    chortle chuckle giggle guffaw quack snort har de har boff hee haw hoot howl snigger

     

    and titter ye not

  3. The Blogger Formerly Known As GM on

    Can’t make up my mind if Kevin Thomson is shaggin’ Alan McGregor or “Alfredo”?

  4. garygillespieshamstring on

    No sooner had I turned it on after reading back, careless play let Morelos through on the keeper. Thank god he is too slow or I would never have forgiven myself.

     

     

    Not sure if I want to risk the second half now. Never watch them normally but thought at 2-0 there might be a hunskelping on the cards.

  5. Someone should have told the huns, when you park the bus, make sure it isn’t an open top😁

  6. PeterLatchfordsBelly on

    Napoli crushing despite r4serve front line. Wee right winger could score at will. I predict 4-0. Huns are way out their depth.

     

     

    We on the other hand can compete at this level and have made great progress since Bodo Glimt.

  7. Napoli bench …make the players aware that Liverpool are now 2 up !?…that will do the trick …anyone for 5 ?

  8. Also am I right in thinking that if the status quo prevails that the mighty Rankers would need to beat Ajax 5-0 at IPox ( head to head ) to stay in Europe ?

  9. bluegrass celt on

    Kevin Thomson’s commentating sounds like the and early Austin Maestro with the on board talking warning alerts

  10. Thomson speaks a language I am not familiar with. God help anyone outside of darkest Edinburgh trying to understand him.

  11. Carpe Diem 63

     

     

    Yes that’s right. Head-to-head first. Even, for illustration, it was goal difference Ajax are about 7 or 8 goals better than them.

  12. Attend you gallant Irishmen

     

    And listen for a while

     

    I’ll sing to you the praises

     

    Of the sons of Erin’s Isle