Celtic went into tonight’s Champions League game with Club Brugge knowing that a win would effectively seal a play-off place in the league phase.
There was an air of excitement from the Celtic fans heading into the game after the Bhoys’ impressive win over RB Leipzig two weeks ago.
However, Celtic struggled to impose their usual high-temp press as Brugge looked comfortable on the ball and passed their way through the Hoops press.
Brugge took a first-half lead after a horror mix-up saw Cameron Carter-Vickers roll the ball into his own net as he lost Kasper Schmeichel’s position with a pass back.
Celtic equalised halfway through the second half through Daizen Maeda but couldn’t find that elusive winner as both teams played out a matchday five draw.
So with that in mind, here are Celtic’s player ratings after Brendan Rodgers’ team battled to a Champions League draw with Club Brugge.
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Never really had much to do in the first half and was really unlucky for the Brugge opener. Made a great save at the beginning of the second half to keep Celtic in the game.
Alistair Johnston – 6
Not as influential as he normally is and found it hard to get his partnership with Kuhn up and running. Made a few decent runs in the second half.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6
Was brutally unlucky as he lost his bearings for his own goal. Was solid enough in the heart of the Hoops’ defence. Dominant in the air but the own goal really rocked the American defender.
Auston Trusty – 7
Passing was crisp as was his reading of the game. Was very strong in the tackle and is starting to build a good partnership with Carter-Vickers.
Greg Taylor – 6
Seemed tentative in the first half and caught out of position on a couple of occasions. Struggled to offer the overlap for Maeda as the Celtic defence played unusually deep. Subbed for Valle in the 63rd minute
Arne Engels – 5
The young Belgian was given the nod by Brendan Rodgers to start for Celtic. Couldn’t really put his stamp on the game as Brugge pressed. Left Callum McGregor exposed on a couple of occasions as he tried to push forward. Subbed for Paulo Bernardo in the 63rd minute.
Callum McGregor – 7
The Celtic captain looked hungry and was full of drive. Tried to gee up his teammates and looked for the ball at every occasion.
Reo Hate – 6
Gave the ball away which sparked a Brugge counterattack that led to the Belgian’s second goal which was luckily ruled offside. The Japanese midfielder struggled to get a foothold in the game
Nicolas Kuhn – 6
The German will be disappointed that he couldn’t impose himself on the game. Brendan Rodgers tried to switch him with Maeda in the early stages of the first half to spark him into life. Almost scored towards the end of the first half as he meandered through the Belgian defence. Replaced by Hyunjun Yang in the 88th minute.
Daizen Maeda – 8
Was his usual hardworking self and ran his heart out. Tracking back from the early stages of the game but couldn’t really use his pace to trouble the Brugge defence. Was subbed in the 76th minute for James Forrest.
Kyogo Furuhashi – 6
The Japanese striker was starved of ammunition in the first half. Never got the opportunity to test the Brugge keeper but ran his heart out trying to press from the front. Had a shot on goal in the second half but was subbed for Adam Idah in the 76th minute.
Alex Valle (sub) – 7
Brought pace and energy and made an immediate impact with an assist for Daizen Maeda’s equaliser. Good option to have off the bench but has given Rodgers food for thought after his second-half cameo.
James Forrest (sub) – 6
The legendary winger was industrious and tried to make an impact on the game. Made a few driving runs as he tried to penetrate the Brugge defence.
Adam Idah (sub) – 6
The Republic of Ireland striker replaced Kyogo and tried to make an impact with his strength and power. Never had an opportunity to score but offered something different off the bench.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 7
Was powerful in the heart of the midfield as he replaced Engels and had no hesitation in showing his goal threat with a shot at the Belgian’s goal.
Hyunjun Yang (sub) – 5
Brought on with just two minutes to go and never had enough time to make a serious impact on the game.
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