Celtic player ratings: Copenhagen (A)
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Celtic picked up a crucial away goal in the Danish capital on Thursday night, as they earned a 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their last 32 clash.
The Hoops got off to a flying start and were almost 1-0 up inside 30 seconds, but Odsonne Edouard’s attempt was saved by Karl-Johan Johnsson after he was played through on goal by Ryan Christie.
Eddy then had another excellent chance moments later, but Johnsson once again denied him before saving the rebound from Olivier Ntcham.
It proved to be third time lucky for the Frenchman in the 14th minute however, after he opened the scoring with a delightful chipped finish.
After controlling the first-half, Celtic saw their lead vanish just six minutes into the second, with Dame N’Doye bringing the home side level.
And Copenhagen had a great chance to win it with 15 minutes remaining, but Fraser Forster produced a magnificent save to deny Jens Stage from the penalty spot and ensure the scores remained level heading into the second leg.
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players’ performances.
Fraser Forster - 8
The Great Wall produced another crucial save for Celtic this season following his heroics against Lazio in the group stages and Rangers in the League Cup final.
He had no chance with N’Doye’s effort.
Jeremie Frimpong - 7
A solid debut in the Europa League from Frimpong who looked assured at right-back, but his distribution in the final third could’ve been better.
Kristoffer Ajer - 7.5
Was solid on the ball and strong defensively. He could do little to prevent Copenhagen’s equaliser.
Christopher Jullien - 7.5
If we’re being super critical, perhaps he could’ve cleared the ball prior to the equaliser instead of trying to play out from the back, but other than that, he is another who had a strong game at the back up against N’Doye.
Jonny Hayes - 7
A tireless display from Hayes once again, and he was unlucky not to get an assist in the second-half when Eddy’s close range effort was once again saved by Johnsson.
Olivier Ntcham - 6.5
A mixed performance from Ntcham, who was good in possession at times but was also equally as sloppy with the ball on other occasions.
And that was emphasised when he was dispossessed on the edge of the area in the build-up to Copenhagen’s equaliser.
Scott Brown - 7.5
Was forced off in the second-half after what had been an excellent midfield display up until that point.
Callum McGregor - 7
Another who worked tirelessly throughout but he wasted an excellent chance to put Celtic back in front, when he uncharacteristically made the wrong choice and shot over from the edge of the area instead of playing Eddy through on goal.
Ryan Christie - 7.5
Christie was a threat right from the off when he played Eddy through on goal inside 30 seconds, and he maintained that level throughout in an impressive display.
He was bailed out by Forster, however, who saved the penalty after he was penalised for handball.
Odsonne Edouard - 7.5
Took his goal superbly well despite missing the early chances and on another night he could’ve had a hat-trick.
James Forrest - 7
A solid performance from Jamesy on the left, and he too was denied by Johnsson’s heroics in goal late on.
Mohamed Elyounoussi (sub) - 6
Was introduced with 30 minutes remaining but didn’t really have an impact on the game.
Nir Bitton (sub) - 6.5
Replaced Broony after he was forced off and was solid in the captain’s absence.
Jozo Simunovic (sub) - 6
Replaced Frimpong late on to help Celtic hold out for the draw.
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