In a dramatic and hard-fought encounter at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, ten-man Celtic battled to a priceless 2-2 draw against Bologna, taking a significant stride towards the knockout stages of the Europa League. The Scottish champions displayed remarkable resilience after being reduced to ten men, earning a point that keeps their qualification hopes firmly alive.
Dream Start and Dramatic Dismissal
Celtic got off to a flying start, silencing the home crowd within just five minutes. Striker Daizen Maeda capitalised on a dreadful pass from Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, seizing possession and setting up Reo Hatate, who coolly slotted home to give the visitors an early lead. The Japanese midfielder's opener sent the travelling Celtic supporters into raptures, but his evening would soon take a drastic turn.
Hatate's joy was short-lived as he received two yellow cards in quick succession, both within a frantic three-minute spell. His dismissal left Celtic with a numerical disadvantage for the majority of the match, forcing them to dig deep and reorganise defensively.
Trusty's Vital Contribution
Despite the setback, Celtic stunned Bologna again shortly before half-time. A wicked set-piece delivery from Kieran Tierney found Auston Trusty at the back post, and the defender prodded the ball home to double Celtic's advantage. Trusty's goal sent the away fans wild and provided a crucial cushion heading into the break.
Bologna's Second-Half Fightback
The hosts emerged with renewed vigour after the interval, piling on the pressure as they sought to overturn the deficit. Their persistence paid off with two well-taken goals. Thiys Dallinga first reduced the arrears with a powerful header, before Jonathan Rowe levelled the scores, capitalising on Celtic's stretched defence.
Bologna continued to press for a winner, but Celtic's resolute defending, led by the outstanding Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, held firm. The Scottish champions ground out a result that felt like a victory under the circumstances, with the players lapping up the acclaim of their supporters at full-time.
Player Ratings and Manager's Verdict
Celtic's standout performers included Auston Trusty, who earned a rating of 9 for his game-changing impact at both ends of the pitch, and Liam Scales, who was a rock in defence with an 8. Reo Hatate's eventful night saw him receive a lowly 3 after his early goal and subsequent dismissal.
Manager Martin O'Neill was delighted with his side's character, stating he "couldn't have asked for more" from his players. His tactical adjustments and faith in the squad's resilience were pivotal in securing this crucial point.
Looking Ahead
This result sets up a tantalising clash next week when Celtic host Utrecht at their Glasgow fortress. A victory in that match would all but secure their passage to the next round of the Europa League, making this hard-earned draw in Bologna even more valuable. The spirit and determination shown by O'Neill's men suggest they are more than capable of finishing the job on home soil.
