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Celtic’s interim manager, Martin O’Neill, expressed his satisfaction with the “spirit” and “resilience” displayed by his team in Bologna, yet lamented the squandering of a two-goal advantage.
Goals from Reo Hatate and Auston Trusty, bookending two yellow cards for the Japanese midfielder, initially positioned Celtic for a valuable three points in Emilia-Romagna. However, Bologna capitalized on their numerical superiority in the second half.
Thijs Dallinga and Jonathan Rowe both found the net for the Serie A side, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s performance under scrutiny for both goals. Nevertheless, Celtic persevered to secure a crucial Europa League point.
O’Neill’s team currently sits 24th with eight points, narrowly within the qualification threshold for the competition’s knockout stages. Their fate will be determined next Thursday at Parkhead against Utrecht.
“We’ve given ourselves a chance to get through, and from that perspective, I’m pleased,” O’Neill stated.
“My personal belief is that had we maintained 11 players, we would have secured the victory.”
“Considering the circumstances, [a point gained] is absolutely positive. We’re facing a strong team aiming for a top-eight finish, so naturally, they will exert pressure. We demonstrated great resilience.”
“We must win next Thursday, but even then, we have much to contemplate before then.”
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Following Hatate’s dismissal in the 34th minute, Celtic adopted a resolute defensive approach, with Trusty’s back-post tap-in representing a rare foray into Bologna’s territory.
Wave after wave of attacks were repelled by the Celtic backline, as Trusty and Liam Scales stood firm against the Bologna onslaught.
The hosts dominated possession, pinning Celtic in their own half and registering 63 touches within the Celtic penalty area.
However, the determined defense was ultimately breached with relative ease, as Dallinga’s header slipped through Schmeichel’s grasp from close range. The veteran Danish goalkeeper then appeared rooted to the spot as Rowe’s powerful shot soared over his head.
“There will be a sense of ‘what could have been?’ – and I think Schmeichel could have performed better for both goals,” former Scotland forward James McFadden commented.
“So it will be a mixture of emotions.”
O’Neill questioned whether Schmeichel’s vision was obscured for Rowe’s equalizer, but chose to emphasize the efforts of his center-backs in securing the valuable draw.
Trusty alone made 17 clearances and three interceptions, effectively marshalling the depleted visitors.
“Trusty was magnificent, as he has been throughout my tenure here,” O’Neill affirmed.
“I cannot praise him highly enough. He was absolutely magnificent, as was the entire team. He and Scales have formed a formidable defensive partnership during my time here, and my expectations of them are very high.
“Trusty embodied the spirit of the team tonight. His performance was colossal and keeps us in the competition for at least another week.”
Another former Celtic manager also lauded the team’s resilience in securing a point.
“The players displayed brilliant character,” Neil Lennon remarked. “You can see what it means to them.
“Auston Trusty and Liam Scales were immense. They had to defend against a barrage of crosses.
“It’s a massive point.”
Reo Hatate became the first player in Celtic’s European history to both score a goal and receive a red card in the same match.
After opening the scoring due to a glaring error from Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, Hatate committed two rash challenges in quick succession, resulting in his dismissal.
O’Neill expressed his frustration with referee Vassilios Fotias’ decision to issue Hatate a second yellow card, particularly considering Celtic’s strong performance with 11 players.
“The sending off had a significant impact on the game,” he stated.
“I thought we played exceptionally well, scored a goal, and looked like a very competent team – producing some truly impressive football.
“Having reviewed the sending off, Reo did make contact with the player’s foot, and perhaps he should have exercised more caution after already being booked. Nevertheless, I felt it was a rather harsh decision, and it put us on the defensive.
“The ball was heading out of play, and I felt the referee was eager to brandish the yellow card.”
O’Neill – who has secured four points from his three Europa League matches this season – also questioned whether Bologna should have been reduced to ten men in the first half.
With the score at 1-0, Daizen Maeda was prevented from breaking through on goal. However, he opted to remain on his feet and set up teammate Yang Hyun-jun, who forced an excellent save from Skorupski.
“I did apologize to the fourth official a couple of times, but he should have apologized to me – had Daizen gone down in the one that was last man, I think the referee would have had no alternative but to send their player off,” O’Neill said.
“That would have been interesting, but Daizen stayed on his feet and the move was finished.”
Before turning their attention to the crucial match against Utrecht, Celtic must allow their weary players to recover for Sunday’s trip to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
It could be a pivotal week in their season.
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