Celtic’s season was mightily disappointing but across the campaign, there were a number of highs scattered through the months. Whilst Celtic finished the Europa League campaign bottom and almost conceded a record number of goals, they did managed to take four points off of French side Lille.
Lille are celebrating today after sealing the Ligue 1 title, ending PSG’s hold over the French league. Goals from Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz sealed a narrow 2-1 win over Angers, meaning that the will lift the trophy. Former Celt Timothy Weah gets his hands on the trophy, justifying his decision to swap PSG for Lille.
Celtic actually stunned Lille back in October, with Moi Elyounoussi scoring twice in the first half as Neil Lennon’s side looked to banish their poor domestic woes in the Europa League. Sadly Celtic’s defensive frailties shone through as Celik and Ikone sealed a comeback to parity with the points being shared.
Then in December, with the final game of the group and Lille and AC Milan competing for top spot, Celtic produced a sensational victory over Lille, resulting in David Turnbull announcing his arrival in the Celtic first team. The midfielder scored and assisted in the win and hasn’t looked back – winning the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year accolade as well as both Celtic’s POTY and Young POTY gongs.
Christopher Jullien met Turnbull’s corner to give Celtic the lead before Ikone pegged the Hoops back. Callum McGregor put Celtic ahead at the break from the spot. It was Timo Weah on his Paradise that equalised for Lille as Celtic’s dismal run looked to continue. Yet it was Turnbull who took the win for the club, offering a consolation win to the torrid European campaign.
Credit to Lille for their victory. It highlights that through intelligent recruitment, they can best a financially doped rival.
