The level of cheer at full time was not typical for a Europa League victory against modest opposition. It did, however, owe everything to context. Perhaps Sunday’s dismal loss at Dundee was a Celtic nadir.
They were much improved when claiming these valuable three points. They also earned them from a goal behind, demonstrating there is at least spirit within the camp presided over by Brendan Rodgers. With more efficiency in front of goal, Celtic would have won far more comfortably. Sturm Graz, who offered nothing after Celtic edged in front, closed with 10 men.
Rodgers has cut a frustrated figure after summer transfer window inaction. It was no wonder then that he accentuated positives towards a squad who have generally failed to convince in this campaign. “I thought the performance was outstanding,” said Celtic’s manager. “We had tempo, speed and aggression, so I am really pleased. The progress in the team from the weekend was so good.”
The latest chastening experiences for Scottish clubs in Europe had seen Rangers humbled in Brann and Aberdeen embarrassed by AEK Athens before Celtic kicked off. The aggregate there was 9-0. At present coefficient rate, those from Scotland’s Premiership will have to start qualifying for continental competition at Easter. The landscape is grim, and typically lost in tribal obsession.
Celtic have specific issues. Supporter discontent with the running of the club was made plain by an efficient leaflet campaign outside Celtic Park urging fans not to spend any money beyond match tickets. The “not another penny” campaign is in place until late January. “For far too long, the Celtic board has pursued a complacent strategy focused on being slightly better than domestic opposition,” read the paperwork. Just when those inside the ground sought to focus on football, Kelechi Iheanacho limped off after only three minutes. An already punchless team were therefore weakened further.
Johnny Kenny, Iheanacho’s replacement, had shown glimpses of promise before the magnificent Tomi Horvat strike which opened the scoring. Having pinched possession, Kenny dragged wide of a post from the angle of the penalty area. Horvat delivered a line in emphatic finishing, slamming the ball into Kasper Schmeichel’s top-right corner from 25 yards. It was a goal of stunning quality, rendered even more special due to Horvat’s limited left-foot backlift.
Arne Engels should have equalised but dallied on the ball before his shot was deflected wide. Next came more Celtic disruption. The right-back Alistair Johnston, who was making his return from injury, headed straight down the tunnel after pulling up lame. The hosts were two key performers down inside half an hour.
They were almost two goals behind as well. Instead, Otar Kiteishvili’s shot flew behind via the outside of a post. Celtic responded through Engels, who watched a goalbound header kicked off his own line by Emanuel Aiwu. Celtic’s sharpest move of the half came five minutes before the break, Benjamin Nygren heading wide when it seemed easier to score.
Reo Hatate shanked a half-volley over the Graz bar within seconds of the restart. Horvat was decidedly more accurate at the other end, his low and wicked free-kick almost catching out Schmeichel at his near post. Nygren’s next opportunity was also a header, with which he again missed the target. He did better with his third, a shot from all of two yards which Matteo Bignetti turned behind. One of those nights? Not so. From the resultant corner, Celtic equalised. Parity was wholly valid on the balance of play.
For the first time in the evening, Graz switched off defensively. The individuals involved are not known for attacking intent, which summed up where Celtic are. Engels received a short corner, and his cross was helped on by Colby Donovan towards Liam Scales, who finished with aplomb.
Graz were to wobble further. A terrific, inswinging Engels corner found the head of Nygren, who this time made no mistake. Persistence – and set plays – had paid off. The Scottish champions had turned the game upside down in just three minutes.
Graz’s task was rendered tougher by the actions of Tochi Chukwuani. The midfielder lunged high into the shin of Callum McGregor, reducing the Austrians to 10 men as an obvious consequence. It was the what, rather than the how, that counted for Rodgers and his players.
