Celtic forced a dramatic late winner to storm into the Champions League knockout stages after a dramatic night at Parkhead.
Hoops sub Adam Idah forced an own goal from Loris Benito with just four minutes remaining to spark the celebrations – and relief. Celtic produced a barnstorming display but couldn’t find a way to the net and it looked like their hopes of progress were going to go to the wire.
But Idah barged his way into the box to seal the win and send the Scottish champs through before a ball is kicked against Aston Villa in the final game next week. The roof came off Celtic Park – but nerves were put through the shredder. Brendan Rodgers has admitted he doesn’t pay much attention to the xG stuff loved by the stattos. He would have been justified looking up the expected goals last night – as Celtic should have stuck about FIVE past the Swiss champs.
But good things come to those who wait and rather than the expected gut punch, the Hoops finally found a way to goal. Idah did the damage as he raced onto a superb pass from Reo Hatate and although he was denied, the ball broke off Loris Benito into his own net.
No one could say it wasn’t deserved as Celts got their rewards for a sensational display. Even the late VAR red card for Daizen Maeda couldn’t’ dampen the celebrations.
Celtic could – and perhaps – should have sealed their spot in the knockout stages even before half-time. It was utter dominance from the first whistle and a minor miracle Young Boys staggered into for the interval on level terms.
In these VAR times, it’s no longer a shock to see goals ruled out – but it’s something else seeing THREE disallowed. And it’s another matter when it’s the same guy denied a hat trick. Kyogo twice had the ball in the net only to see the assistant ref’s flag halt the celebrations.
The one time he thought he was in the clear in between those strikes, the video officials stepped in to overturn the goal because of a foul by Callum McGregor in the build up.
Chuck in the penalty miss from Engels and countless other opportunities and it was a frankly ridiculous opening 45 minutes.
Celtic could not have played much better – but were just missing the crucial final touch where it mattered. It was more of the same in the second half too as the opportunities continued to pile up. There was always a fear Celts would be punished for all those missed chances. And it took a stunning double save from Kasper Schmeichel to avoid heartache.
Celts came on strong again towards the end and finally got their reward when Idah broke through to force Benito to bundle the ball over the line. Maeda saw red in stoppage time for going in late but the hard work had been done and the party started. Here’s five talking points from Parkhead:
Rodgers good as his word
Brendan Rodgers said when he returned his focus was on Europe – and he’s delivered big time. Yes, it was a nervy night against Young Boys but the win was fully deserved and it’s been part of a superb campaign.
Celt suffered a tough night in Dortmund but it’s been brilliant otherwise.
They’ve not gone five games unbeaten in Europe’s top competition for the first time since the early 1970s. That’s no mean feat and it shows this Celtic team has learned and is developing at this level.
They can enjoy Villa next week and look to the knockout stages – and who knows what will happen there.
Captain fantastic
Callum McGregor produced such high level consistent performances that it’s almost taken for granted.
The midfielder churns out seven and eight out of 10 displays every week and it can slip under the radar. But occasionally he produces these kins of barnstorming displays that makes everyone sit up and take notice – and appreciate just how good he is.
McGregor was outstanding against Young Boys. Swiss boss Georgio Contini warned his side going in not to let the main man run the show. But they couldn’t do anything about it regardless. The 31-year-old was at the heart of absolutely everything and proved he’s every bit Champions League class.
Fan power
Rodgers has spoken a fair bit about the Celtic support of late and it’s fair to say the fans got the message. The manager wanted the punters to have some patience as well as the passion – and he got it here. Celtic Park was the cauldron Rodgers demanded and they stuck with the side even amid the frustration of all those denied goals.
The nerves would have been frayed with the incredible amount of chances that went begging, including the first half penalty. But the supporters stuck with it as things understandably got a little tetchy and kept roaring their side on and it paid off.
Kasper’s a Keeper
It won’t have been a difficult decision to hit the button on a contract extension for one of the old Bhoys ahead of Young Boys. Kasper Schmeichel will remain at Celts until the summer of 2026 and it’s a smash piece of business for all concerned.
Schmeichel was his usual calm self against Young Boys, keeping it neat with the ball at this feet and then stood up to the task when called upon. Had barely made a save until the second half when he pulled off a stunning double block to make sure Celtic didn’t suffer a sucker punch.
Kyogo flagging
The striker was left frustrated by the offside flag but it’s just the nature of his game. Kyogo plays right on the line and that’s what makes him such a danger to defences. It’s okay suggesting he holds fire, but that would take away his main threat.
It’s those fractions where he finds and advantage and sometimes he’s going to go a tad early or the ball coming in is a smidgen late. But there’s no point trying to curtail the frontman. He was at bus buzzbomb best against Young Boys and they simply could’t cope with his movement.