On This Day (2019): Celtic 1 Rennes 1 Hard fought point in Europa League opener sets tone for strong group performance…
READ MATT CORR’S RENNES DIARY…‘Hail Hail, les Celts sont ici’
Two years ago on this day, Celtic were paired in a seemingly awkward Europa League group with Italian giants Lazio, French outfit Stade Rennais and Cluj of Romania – who just so happened to put Celtic out of the Champions League weeks before.
What was on paper a considerably difficult group to navigate, ended up with Celtic going unbeaten and finishing top of the pile. This was after some impressive performances along the way.
In the opening game during a beautiful sunny evening in Brittany, Celtic fought and scrapped their way to a hard earned point – a rarity on the road in European football at times. Rennes took the lead through a penalty after a clumsy foul by Norwegian defender Kris Ajer. Celtic likewise struck back through a penalty and another stupid challenge, this time on our winger James Forrest. Ryan Christie had no problems stepping up and firing Celtic level with an assertive penalty kick.
Celtic were also reduced to ten men late into injury time. Ex-striker Vakoun Bayo made a bizzare challenge on the now Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, having just came on as a substitute.
You can watch the goals from the game below…
19th September 2019, Rennes 1:1 Celtic.
Christie. pic.twitter.com/Tpgf7tqEfx
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe_7) September 18, 2021
