The consensus is that Celtic should be grateful they got a point from their Champions League clash with Club Brugge.
The Belgians got a huge helping hand from Cameron Carter-Vickers, but passed up some other good chances to extend their lead before Daizen Maeda‘s fine strike rescued a Champions League point for Brendan Rodgers’ side at Parkhead. But the Belgians looked a serious side and a combination of Kasper Schmeichel, poor finishing and VAR kept the score down, then level, as the Hoops struggled to get to grips with their opponents.
Celtic weren’t without their moments, but the better ones fell to Brugge who will be kicking themselves that they didn’t leave Glasgow with maximum points. The hosts will take the point and move on with some winnable matches left to try and ensure they make it through to the knockout stage, which they remain on course for. Here’s how the pundits saw the 1-1 draw.
Neil Lennon
“I have to say I’m a bit disappointed with the performance. I thought Brugge at times looked the far superior side and it was a bit of individual brilliance from Maeda to get the goal back.
“Then Celtic sort of huffed and puffed but I don’t remember Mignolet having to make too many good saves, whereas at the other end of the pitch, they’ve had a goal disallowed, Schmiechel’s made a great save just after half-time and the kid Olsen’s missed a volley at the far post. He should have scored.
“I was so impressed with Brugge but you’ve got to take the point and Celtic will be better for it. But I always think at home, you’ve got to win these games.
“Brugge were content to sit in and soak up any pressure Celtic had to throw at them. I always felt they looked the more dangerous side. They were really slick, some of their one-touch passing on the counter attack was really good.
“It’s a learning process. Going into the game, the momentum was with Celtic. But I have to hold my hands up and say Brugge really surprised me. I thought they were really impressive. The way they played, they were so brave and they kept the crowd quiet for long periods of the game. I have to say, they are the best side I’ve seen at Celtic Park this year.”
Johan Mjallby
“I’m happy with the point because I thought tactically, Brugge were really, really good. This is a quality side. They are lacking a goalscorer, otherwise it could have been a heavy loss.
“The only disappointment for me about Celtic’s performance is they didn’t create enough. You’re playing at home, you have to create more than they did, especially because they are an attack minded side. But all in all, you take the point and you go on to the next game. Maybe I’m a bit unfair as he’s only 20-years-old Arne Engels, but he didn’t really attack much or get into the game. So that was disappointing.”
Joe Hart
“I honestly felt half-time was needed. Brendan and John Kennedy will have had so much to say to their team. It’s a team that wants to learn, develop, understand and fix the problems.
“I think they would have gone out with that spirit and the stadium was ready to go. To see a new Celtic team int he second half but then the ball turns over and Kasper Schmeichel makes such an important save. It got more and more important as the game went on. Big moments, big goalkeeper; very impressive.
“It’s credit to Celtic and credit to Brendan Rodgers how far they’ve come. I felt it over the last two years that we weren’t quite there and it was a struggle to get into the next stage of the Champions League.
“We’re all sat here really disappointed that they haven’t reached the heights in the previous game. But ultimately it;s about qualifying and they’ve put themselves in a fantastic position.”
Pat Bonner
“It was a real Champions League game, two good teams playing the right way. Celtic can play better; I was really impressed with Club Brugge – they defended well as a unit in the second half.”
Chris Sutton
“If you can’t win, don’t lose. Maybe a valuable point for Celtic. Tremendous goal from Daizen Maeda.”