In our afternoon game which kicked off at the strange time of 3.30pm due to being rearranged to suit the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Celtic put in an exciting performance to win 2-0 over Hungarian champions Fenencvaros. After tonight we should have absolutely no fear of heading to Hungary I’m just over two weeks.
Realistically we could have won this game by at least 4 or 5 but no one will complain about getting the full three points and our much maligned defence keeping a clean sheet. The first half saw us completely outplay our opposition, some of our passing was excellent with only our final ball letting us down on occasion. Apart from a decent chance Fenencvaros had early in the first half, in which they really should have scored after cutting Celtic wide open down the right side, they offered little else. It honestly felt like it was just a matter of time before we opened the scoring.
We duly obliged early in the second half when an absolutely wonderful ball on the break from Jota straight to the feet of Kyogo, who’s first touch was almost as sublime as the pass he just received, was tucked away confidently by the Japanese striker. Shortly after this we gave the opposition a glorious chance, something we have a worrying knack of doing straight after scoring especially in Europe. Luckily Tony Ralston was on hand to get across and do just enough to put the attacker off and get a touch to send it wide.
Soon after it felt like it could be game over as young Adam Montgomery nipped into the box and got brought down by the defender. No need for VAR in this instance as it really was a stone waller. When I saw Callum McGregor step up I had a bad feeling he could miss it, even though he was having a very good game. My initial thought proved correct and although well struck it was a perfect height for the keeper. Maybe a change in penalty taker going forward?
The penalty miss seemed to rock Celtic and reinvigorate Fenencvaros for a small period. McGregor, maybe still thinking about his earlier miss, made a huge error releasing them on the break but thankfully for Celtic they some how conceived to make an absolute hash of the opportunity. After this though Celtic got back to how they were playing earlier, controlling the play with quick, precise passing.
With Fenencvaros having to come out to try to find an equaliser, Celtic started to create multiple clear cut scoring chances. Georgios Giakoumakis was now on and was looking dangerous up front, providing a physical presence and looking to get involved as much as possible. He spurned a great opportunity with his head from a fantastic cross. Shortly after he did great to pluck the ball out of the air on his chest and tried to finish with a spectacular bicycle kick which unfortunately just didn’t come off.
Straight after this the game was practically put to bed when David Turnbull (or the defender) bundled the ball into the net after Turnbull himself took a fresh air swipe while the goal was at his mercy. After this Celtic had another couple of chances they really should have buried as Fenencvaros fell apart. Turnbull was guilty of missing a glorious chance the Jota outdoing him with an even worse miss with the goal at his mercy after some great play by Mikey Johnston who was excellent throughout his substitute appearance. I pray that Johnston can stay injury free as he looks born to play the style of football Ange Postecoglou demands.
All in all this was an excellent performance by Celtic. The passing and tempo were good throughout the match. The defence looked as steady as it has done at anytime this season bar a let moment of madness by Starfelt who otherwise was having a good game. Jota was brilliant all match, if we sign him at the end of the season for the price set by Benfica we will be getting an absolute bargain. Shout out also to Gianakomous and Johnston who both came on and had a huge impact.
Onwards and upwards from here folks.
Conall McGinty
