Player ratings: Celtic 2-2 Ajax (A)

Celtic conceded inside the last 10 minutes from a set piece, which still gives them a valuable point away from home. A red card for Izaguirre made the final 20 minutes a nerve-wracking ordeal for Celtic after going 2-1 up with goals from Nir Bitton and Mikael Lustig giving the Hoops the hope of getting all three points. Fischer expertly finished a lovely move from Ajax and Schone’s freekick meant the two sides take a point from tonight’s game.

Here are the player ratings from tonight’s game.

Craig Gordon 6/10

Got off his line quickly to cut out balls over the top and behind the Celtic defence. Couldn’t do much about Fischer’s goal as it was exquisitely placed in the corner. Didn’t have too much else to worry about in the game and collected any crosses the Dutch champions put into the box. Gordon was unsighted for Ajax’s equaliser and flapped at the ball unsuccessfully.

Mikael Lustig 6/10

Apart from his goal, Lustig looked a shadow of his usually composed self in defence. Dove into a challenge instead of staying on his feet and ultimately led to a great goal finished by Fischer. Scored a great header at the back post after a floating corner in from Commons and could have had a second after the half. Got booked with about 30 minutes to go for getting beat too easily.

Dedryck Boyata 6/10

Looked assured in the first-half staying on his feet and passing out from the back, which is one thing that was criticised in recent games. Out of position several times but with a new centre half alongside him you expect the two of them to take time to adjust to their new partner.

Jozo Simunovic 5/10

Switched off momentarily and got beat too easily early in the game which is probably down to nerves and being a bit tentative on his debut. Cut out a ball through from Ajax to prevent a shot on goal but could have been punished once or twice for his defensive play again in the second-half.

Emilio Izaguirre 4/10

Covered well for Simunovic to break up the play and prevent and attack. Flew into challenges all-night and looked like the player who fans loved watching. Lost his composure a bit in the last 20 minutes giving away a few fouls and got sent off putting Celtic down to 10 men for the last 15 minutes.

Scott Brown 5/10

Was quiet in the game in the opening period on the ball but was always working hard off the ball in the deeper role in the Celtic midfield.

Nir Bitton 7/10

Scored a great goal from just inside the box, arrowed into the corner. Played in a more advanced role than normal as Celtic set up with five in midfield. Intercepted and broke up Ajax’s midfield and looked assured in his passing once again.

James Forrest 5/10

Worked hard down the left flank but didn’t create much. Used as an outlet by Celtic to give the defence a breather. Didn’t have the impact on the game that he would have hoped to and was replaced by Blackett following Izaguirre’s red card.

Stefan Johansen 6/10

Did well to break down the Ajax play for Bitton’s goal but could have worked back to close down the run of Younes from the left wing. Played in the deeper role alongside Bitton with Brown in behind and played well alongside the Israeli to cut out any potential threat from Ajax.

Kris Commons 6/10

Great footwork in the build up to Bitton’s goal and played the pass onto the run of the Israeli. Didn’t suit the wide role and often leaving Lustig exposed who struggled tonight defensively. Assisted Lustig’s goal from a corner with a floating cross into the Swede.

Leigh Griffiths 5/10

Got very little service in the opening 30 minutes of the game and could have been played through by Johansen but the pass didn’t come soon enough. Had a chance to score just before the half but doesn’t catch it right probably due to his lack of touches in the game. Again in the second-half he had a chance, which he might have taken had he been more involved in the game.

Subs:

Efe Ambrose 4/10

Came on for Lustig with just over 20 minutes left in the game. Tried to nutmeg an Ajax in his own box almost giving away a goal but got his body in the way of crosses and headed crosses away.

Tyler Blackett 2/10

Came on for James Forrest after Izaguirre got sent off for a second bookable offence. Had a tough time dealing with El Ghazi down the right wing.

Saidy Janko N/A

Replaced Commons with seven minutes to go to shore up the Celtic defence and see out the game for the Hoops.