From a showing against Astra Giurgiu which provided a definition for unconvincing, Celtic can at least cherish their win. It was essential for progression to the knockout round of the Europa League to remain a reality. Celtic are bereft of many things if not, at least, valuable points in Europe.
The rancour which met Celtic’s elimination, twice, from the group stage of the Champions League has disappeared as Ronny Deila has set about making headway in that tournament’s poor relation. In fairness the Europa League is probably a better environment for a new manager such as Deila to attempt to bed in new players and fresh ideas. The Norwegian’s predecessor, Neil Lennon, once supplied proof of that.
Momentum is the one commodity Deila has been denied during his early months in charge so this marks a crucial phase. Astra’s visit marked the first of four home matches in succession for Celtic; a run of victories would ease the criticism which has readily flown Deila’s way.
The Romanians arrived in Glasgow with troubles of their own, despite having bounced Lyon from this competition at the qualifying phase. They had not claimed a Europa League point for a start, with the coach Oleg Protasov only nine days into the job. All manner of stories have emanated about background chaos at Astra, which rendered Deila’s assertion that they would be capable of winning the Scottish top flight somewhat worrying.
Astra did, though, open in confident fashion. A fierce drive from Seidu Yahaya forced Craig Gordon into an unorthodox save with his chest after 20 minutes. Seconds later Gordon used his feet to deny Constantin Budescu, the Astra captain. Gordon’s excellent form has provided at least one highlight of Celtic’s season.
When Budescu fed Takayuki Seto, who shot wide, murmurs of discontent were apparent. Stefan Scepovic, making a rare start, attempted to lighten the home mood but saw his 24th-minute shot deflected wide.
Another home scare was to follow as Charlie Mulgrew passed the ball directly to Astra’s Gabriel Enache, who dragged his effort wide. With only half an hour gone, it looked as though the Romanians might be left to bemoan wastefulness in front of goal. Celtic’s best opportunity of the opening half fell to Anthony Stokes. The Republic of Ireland international should have scored from eight yards but saw his shot blocked. Scepovic, who had endured an otherwise dismal period, was responsible for the set-up work.
Celtic were again ragged at the onset of the second half but should have claimed a 51st-minute lead. Scepovic seemed shocked that a Stokes cross found its way into his path. The Serbian striker duly headed wide when it looked easier to score. Scepovic missed the target again from a Mikael Lustig delivery, in offering further encouragement to the Astra defence.
Deila had by now seen enough. He introduced the Aston Villa loanee Aleksandar Tonev in place of the ineffectual Callum McGregorcorrect. Scepovic could consider himself fortunate to have survived.
Tonev’s first action was a drive from 20 yards which flew wide, but was arguably his most positive contribution since moving north from Birmingham. The Bulgarian had not even been part of Deila’s 18-man squad for Saturday’s Scottish Premiership canter at Ross County.
With half an hour to play, the match had regressed considerably. Astra lacked their earlier attacking impetus with Celtic either laboured or wasteful on the occasions they moved forward themselves. Albeit Ross County had provided extremely generous opposition, Celtic’s level of performance had slipped considerably in just a matter of days. Astra’s next fine chance fell to Cristian Oros, who headed over Gordon’s crossbar.
Gordon batted away a Budescu cross in what marked Astra’s last promising moment before Celtic’s breakthrough. Scepovic, who had struggled all night, this time connected with Stokes’s free-kick to head home at the back post. It marked the forward’s first Celtic goal.
Astra conceded again after Silviu Lung made an almighty mess of a low Tonev cross; Stefan Johansen was on hand to slam the rebound into the net. The visitors’ consolation came from Enache, who profited from near post opportunism.
