Celtic mounted an impressive second-half comeback to defeat 10-man Sturm Graz and secure their first Europa League win of the season.
Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren scored within three minutes of each other as Brendan Rodgers’ team found their rhythm in front of an adoring Celtic Park crowd.
The defending Scottish champions entered this competition under duress, having only one point from their first two games and coming off a league defeat to Dundee on Sunday.
With tough road games against Midtjylland and Feyenoord coming up next month, three points appeared to be essential for gaining a foothold in the group phase table.
Celtic experienced another setback when Kelechi Iheanacho was injured just a few minutes into the game. It appeared that would set the tone.
Desire and desire were clear throughout, but execution was consistently lacking, despite a number of obvious opportunities.
In stark contrast, Sturm capitalized on their first serious chance as Tomi Horvat sent a magnificent long-range strike into the top corner.
The response was powerful, but it was disrupted when Alistair Johnston, who had returned from injury, had to be replaced. Another huge blow.
Then some luck occurred as Kasper Schmeichel’s post saved the day by diverting an Otar Kiteishvili shot.
Celtic created an extraordinary number of opportunities from there. It took center-back Scales to lead the way, with a precise finish that brought them level.
After missing numerous chances, Nygren converted a header moments later to secure victory, which was made significantly easier by Sturm being reduced to ten men in the 70th minute following Tochi Chukwuani’s reckless studs-up attack on Callum McGregor.
Celtic got what they wanted, and Rodgers hopes it is a springboard for better performances and outcomes.
Rodgers sought a boost following a lackluster start to the season. This win, and the way in which it was achieved, may do exactly that; however, injuries will be a concern ahead of Sunday’s visit to league leaders Hearts.
Celtic needed to up their effort and battle to get things back on track. They did and overcame significant difficulty to win this game.
They produced considerably more opportunities than previously, but a lack of commitment in critical times may have cost them. To their credit, they stood up to the pressure, continued to develop, and eventually received the reward they wanted.
After defeating Rangers earlier this month, Sturm arrived in fantastic shape and full of confidence. At one point, they could have easily had a two-goal lead, and you wonder what would have happened if they had.
In normal circumstances, you would expect Celtic to care for them at home. These aren’t normal circumstances right now, but this could be the boost they need to get going.
With the top-of-the-table Premiership encounter coming up against Hearts, the probable paucity of options up front will be a significant obstacle to overcome. There may also be defensive ones.
Celtic hasn’t been doing well on many fronts lately. Finally, they accomplished it at a critical time. On the balance of play, justifiably so, with more significant tests on the horizon.
