UEFA Europa League

Play-off, first leg

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…2

(Furuhashi 12, Forrest 61)

AZ ALKMAAR…0

If Ange Postecoglou or any of the other new Bhoys didn’t truly know how much of an atmosphere was created at Celtic Park on a European night, then they certainly know now.

Two games inside a week have delivered the proof of the stadium’s worth and they have shown that opposition teams will have difficulty with the man they can’t shackle – Celtic’s famous 12^th man.

The fans have been known to draw the ball into the net, but with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi on the pitch, it has to be said they do have a little help on the park.

The man from Japan opened the scoring after 12 minutes of the match following some lovely footwork from Tom Rogic as both lit up the stadium on the night AZ Alkmaar visited.

It was by no means one-way traffic , though, Joe Hart at the other end produced some magic of his own with some great saves as the visitors pressed when they could, and a couple of youngsters in the shape of Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh, who have sampled European nights as supporters, were right at home on this stage.

Kyogo netted his sixth goal as the Hoops celebrated five wins in a row and James Forrest added the second crucial goal just after the hour mark to send Celtic over to the Netherlands with a vital 2-0 lead.

It could have been more – but it could so easily have been less as well, as the defence stood firm when called upon with some excellent tackles that were as good as goals.

And early on, Hart had a crucial save from Vangelis Pavlidis before another two saves stopped Zakaria Aboukhlal making a name for himself.

The deadlock was broken by a couple of pieces of magic in the 12^th minute when Rogic juggled with the ball on the left before delivering a pinpoint cross to the back post where Kyogo met it with his right foot to send the ball high into the net - maybe one day we’ll see an ordinary goal from him.

There were other attempts on goal from Liel Abada, Rogic and Forrest as they all tested the AZ resolve, but that would be broken again in the second half.

Celts take 2-0 lead to Alkmaar after thrilling Euro night in Paradise