UEFA Champions League Qualifying
Second Round, First Leg
Tuesday, July 20^th, 2021
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…1
(Abada 38)

FC MIDTJYLLAND…1
(Evander 66)

Liel Abada’s debut goal in the Hoops sees Celtic go into next week’s return leg in Denmark with everything to play for as Ange Postecoglou’s side were held to a 1-1 draw at Paradise.

The New Bhoy put Celtic ahead near the end of the first half but Midtjylland managed to snatch an equaliser in the second half.

It took a while for the game to get flowing after play was stopped twice in the early stages for a couple of head knocks. The first saw Nir Bitton have to go off to receive treatment after being elbowed in the face. Play was then stopped after Midtjylland Raphael Onyedika had to receive treatment.

The Danish side pressed Celtic high up the pitch but Ange Postecoglou’s side handled the press well and began to hit Midtjylland on the counter-attack.

The first break saw Greg Taylor swing a cross in for Odsonne Edouard but it was inches out of reach for the Frenchman. Soro was the first to have a shot at goal but his effort was blocked on route to goal and Abada’s quick follow up flew just over the crossbar.

Midtjylland never really threatened Vasilis Barkas’ goal and Stephen Welsh was deserving of credit for his timely tackles in the final third to prevent Celtic’s opponents from getting a shot off. The 22-year-old’s showed good positioning and decision making at the back.

Liel Abada began to show his qualities out on the right midway through the half. The 19-year-old zipped an excellent pass along the six-yard box which Christie’s outstretched foot knocked onto the post. Seconds later the Israeli international whipped a wonderful cross into the box but Christie’s diving header was narrowly off target.

The new Bhoy then emerged as the goal hero in the 38th minute to score on his debut. Christie forced a good save from the keeper with a left-footed shot and Abada was first to react as he darted in to smash in the loose ball.

Celtic were dealt a huge blow just before the break as they were reduced to 10 men after Nir Bitton received a second yellow card. Anders Dreyer dived inside the box and was booked but Bitton raised his hand during a coming together with the Danish forward and the referee showed him a second yellow.

Celtic draw with FC Midtjylland as Liel Abada scores debut goal