Sky Sports Celtic pundits blown away by Club Brugge but Arne Engels leaves former stars looking for more.
Neil Lennon confesses he was astonished by the visitors’ performance on a night when Celtic struggled.
Celtic should be pleased for a point in their Champions League match against Club Brugge.
The Belgians were aided by Cameron Carter-Vickers, but missed opportunities to expand their advantage. However, Daizen Maeda’s goal saved a Champions League point for Brendan Rodgers’ team at Parkhead. However, the Belgians appeared to be a serious team, as a combination of Kasper Schmeichel, bad finishing, and VAR kept the score low, then even, as the Hoops battled to gain a grip on their opponents.
Celtic had their moments, but the better ones went to Brugge, who will be hurting themselves for not leaving Glasgow with maximum points. The hosts will take the point and move on, with several winnable matches remaining to assure their qualification for the knockout round, which they are still on track to achieve. Here’s how the analysts interpreted the 1-1 tie.
“I have to confess I’m a little unhappy with the performance. Brugge appeared to be the greater team at times, and Maeda’s individual brilliance was instrumental in regaining the lead.
“Then Celtic pushed and puffed, but I don’t recall Mignolet having to make too many fantastic stops, although at the other end of the pitch, they had a goal disallowed, Schmiechel made a terrific save just after half-time, and the young Olsen missed a volley at the far post. He should’ve scored.
“I was quite pleased with Brugge, but you have to accept the point, and Celtic will be better for it. But I always assume that at home, you have to win these matches.
“Brugge were willing to sit in and absorb any pressure Celtic threw at them. I’ve always thought they looked more scary. They were quite smooth, with some excellent one-touch passing on the counterattack.
“This is a learning process. Celtic had the momentum heading into the game. However, I must admit that Brugge shocked me. I thought they were extremely stunning. They played so bravely and kept the fans quiet for lengthy stretches of the game. I have to say, they’re the greatest team I’ve seen at Celtic Park this season.”
Johan Mjallby
“I’m pleased with the result because I think Brugge played really well strategically. This is the quality side. They lack a goal scorer; else, they may have suffered a big defeat.
“My main regret with Celtic’s performance was that they did not produce enough. When playing at home, you must generate more than they did, especially because they are an attack-minded team. But, overall, you get the point and go on to the next game. Maybe I’m being unjust because Arne Engels is only 20 years old, but he didn’t really assault or participate in the game. So, it was disappointing.
Joe Hart
“I honestly thought halftime was necessary. Brendan and John Kennedy will have a lot to say to their teammates. It’s a team that wants to learn, grow, comprehend, and solve challenges.
“I believe they would have left with that attitude and the stadium ready to go. To see a fresh Celtic team in the second half, but then the ball is turned over and Kasper Schmeichel makes a crucial save. It became increasingly vital as the game progressed. Big situations, big custodian, extremely amazing.
“It’s a tribute to Celtic and Brendan Rodgers that they’ve come this far. I thought we weren’t quite there during the past two years, and it was difficult to advance to the following round of the Champions League.
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