Callum McGregor’s stunning goal gave Celtic the advantage after a dominant performance against Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League last-32 first leg.
Celtic dominated the opening 45 minutes but for all their good play, they couldn’t find the back of the net, despite having a half dozen good chances.
Olivier Ntcham had the first chance of the game on seven minutes and fired just wide of the left had post after some good link up play from Moussa Dembele.
Dembele, who was instrumental in the Hoops’ attacking play, lacked the cutting edge in front of goal when his side needed it most – particularly when McGregor played a dangerous ball across the six-yard box.
On 78 minutes, McGregor got his eighth goal of the season after some brilliant play from Dembele and super sub Charly Musonda, as the Scot lashed the ball home from six-yards out.
Here are the player ratings for tonight’s game.
Dorus de Vries 6.5/10
Good save at close range to keep out Zabolotny’s shot. Had a decent game on the night.
Mikael Lustig 6.5/10
Quiet first half, didn’t have too much to do defensively.
Jozo Simunovic 7/10
Solid in defence and made a number of clearances having read Zenit’s intentions.
Kristoffer Ajer 7/10
Bright start to the game and wasn’t afraid to drive past players on the ball effectively. Made a number of decent tackles as well.
Kieran Tierney 7/10
Won an early corner getting forward down the left wing at will and got the ball into the box. Kept the ball out on the line. Brilliant switch of play to Kouassi.
Scott Brown 7.5/10
Read the play well in midfield and won back possession a number of times to keep Celtic on the front foot and in control.
Eboue Kouassi 8/10
Decent start to the game hassling and hurrying Zenit’s midfield. Won back possession for Celtic giving McGregor a good chance to score. Made a great run down the right flank to get onto Tierney’s pass and just over hit his through ball to McGregor. Good effort on goal from distance forced the ‘keeper to make a save.
James Forrest 7/10
Got on the ball and went past players when given the chance. Was quite literally kicked off the ball numerous occasions when he went at the defence. Had a few chances on goal blocked as well. Went in on goal and saw his shot blocked once again after initially dummying it.
Olivier Ntcham 7/10
Started the game well on the left side winning possession and playing in McGregor. Came close to scoring from the edge of the box and delivered a great cross to McGregor. Great pass out wide to Forrest. Delivery from set pieces was really poor, but nonetheless had a very good game.
Callum McGregor 9/10
Linked up well with Tierney and worked in between the lines finding plenty of space. Big chance to score but his shot on goal was tame and easily saved. Another shot on goal blocked. Played a fantastic ball across the box which no one gambled on.
Moussa Dembele 7/10
Fantastic hold up play throughout the game bringing Forrest, Ntcham, McGregor and Kouassi into play regularly. Sharpness in the box from two of Tierney’s crosses could’ve been better. Needed to make the run to get onto McGregor’s cross. Almost connected with Tierney’s cross but just couldn’t get a vital touch. Continued to link the play well but cut a frustrating figure in the final third.
Charly Musonda 6.5/10
Came on for Kouassi with 18 minutes left in the game. Provided the crucial assist to McGregor.
Odsonne Edouard N/A
Replaced Dembele with six minutes to go in the game. Used his strength and got about to frustrate the Zenit defence.