Former Celtic striker-turned-pundit Chris Sutton thinks the Hoops’ point against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League last night could prove ‘valuable’ after a ‘tremendous’ goal from Daizen Maeda.
The Hoops failed to come out the blocks flying early doors, with the Belgians dominating proceedings in the opening stages.
They played through Celtic’s press adeptly and pinned the Bhoys back. Although their opener on 26 minutes was perhaps deserved, Cameron Carter-Vickers’ poor passback could have been avoided.
The American didn’t look when playing the ball back to Kasper Schmeichel, and it resultantly trickled into his own net, much to the disbelief of a packed-out Parkhead.
The Scottish Premiership champions’ response to going one behind came on the hour mark in the form of a terrific Daizen Maeda leveller. The electric Japanese winger smartly spun his man and finished into the far corner via the post with venom.
Neither side scored a winner, but Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers remained ‘very proud’ of his players after the match.
Sutton’s reaction was equally perfect: “If you can’t win, don’t lose,” he penned on X.
“Maybe a valuable point for Celtic. Tremendous goal from Daizen Maeda.”
Before they are next in European action away to Dinamo Zagreb in 12 days, Celtic have three pivotal league matches to contend with.
They kick things off at home to Ross County this weekend before travelling to Pittodrie next Wednesday.
Hibernian then come to Parkhead the following Saturday before Rodgers and Co. fly out to Croatia.