Celtic played out an encouraging but ultimately frustrating draw with FC Midtjylland in their first competitive game under Ange Postecoglou.
New winger Liel Abada was on target in the Champions League second round qualifier, but the topsy-turvy clash was soon derailed by red cards to Nir Bitton and Andres Dreyer that killed the Hoops' first half momentum.
And a clanger from Vasilis Barkas ensured the tie remains on a knife-edge heading into next week's second leg in Denmark.
Celtic started slowly and it initially appeared Midtjylland - who were a few weeks ahead of the Hoops in their preparations - were the sharper side.
But Postecoglou's team gained a measure of control and soon began to showcase an expansive brand of football.
The match burst into life in the 36th minute when Ryan Christie struck the post from close range from Abada's cross and then headed over from the same player's delivery.
A minute later, Abada showed how it should be done when he swiftly flashed a rebound into the net after Midtjylland keeper Jonas Lossl parried a powerful drive from Christie. More drama soon followed.
Bitton, booked earlier for a foul on Brumado, was sent off by referee Sandro Scharer for lifting his hand to Dreyer after the Midtjylland player appeared to go down too easily in the box.
Dreyer was also booked while 18-year-old defender Dane Murray replaced Abada to make his competitive debut as Postecoglou reshuffled.
The Celtic fans cheered when the Danish winger received another yellow when he went down at the edge of the box under the close attention of new Hoops captain Callum McGregor.
Then, as the belief returned to Parkhead, the Scotland midfielder skimmed the bar from the edge of the box with a terrific drive before Edouard was put through only to hit Lossl with an unconvincing strike - and Celtic soon paid for that miss.
After being brought down by Celtic defender Stephen Welsh 10 yards in from the byline on the left, Brazilian midfielder Evander, who had come close minutes earlier with a drive, hammered his free-kick in off the far post with questions around Barkas.
More huffing and puffing ensued but the tie remains up for grabs.
Here are your player ratings.
VASILIS BARKAS
Not much to do as Celts were strong in front of him and decent with his feet. Questions could be asked about the free-kick he conceded - 5
ANTHONY RALSTON
Full-back is still raw but wouldn’t be bullied and barged his way forward first half and dug in after the break - 7
NIR BITTON
Celtic needed his experience – not his stupidity. Crazy red put side under pressure when they were on top - 4
STEPHEN WELSH
Used to being thrown in at the deep end, he rose to challenge against a strong physical side. Stepped up when Bitton let him down - 8
GREG TAYLOR
Not as involved in an attacking sense as he’d like but had his hands full defensively. Controlled display second half when Celts needed discipline 6
ISMAILA SORO
The wee fella isn’t scared of a scrap and had to tough it out against some of the Midtjylland mountains - 7
CALLUM McGREGOR
The armband made not much difference. A typical McGregor shift. Tireless all night and unlucky not to find net with second-half screamer - 8
DAVID TURNBULL
Some moments of quality on the ball, particularly when Celts were a man down and trying to hit on the break - 7
RYAN CHRISTIE
So much talk about his future but his commitment is never in doubt. Had to go looking for the ball but a threat first half and stood up to the battle - 7
LIEL ABADA
Looked the part when he sparked to life. Lively and well-taken goal before being sacrificed after the red card - 7
ODSONNE EDOUARD
Bags might be packed but still put in a shift. Signs of rust though, missing a couple of cast-iron chances - 6
DANE MURRAY
Thrown into challenging environment but never seemed fazed, impressive - 7
ALBIAN AJETI
Did well to hold ball up and give some a breather - 4
TOM ROGIC
Nice touches, keen to get involved - 4
