Lille 2-2 Celtic: Visitors let slip two-goal lead

Celtic can “take a lot of positives” despite letting slip a two-goal lead in their Europa League draw in Lille, says manager Neil Lennon.

But the hosts hit back with goals from Zeki Celik and Jonathan Ikone as Celtic held on for a first point in Group H.

“I’m delighted with the character the players showed,” said Lennon.

“We played really well. We got fatigued as the game went on and you could see the effects Covid has had on a few players.

“It says a lot when you come here and are disappointed not to win.”

Celtic’s task looked daunting against a Lille side keeping pace with big-spending Paris St-Germain at the top of Ligue 1.

After surviving a shaky start, Lennon’s men began to dominate. Albian Ajeti was in the thick of it. The Swiss striker had a goal correctly ruled out for offside then blazed over six yards out from a Ryan Christie cutback.

Celtic’s opener, though, was worth the wait. Ajeti punished Celik’s heavy touch on the right flank as he stole possession with a backheel flick that sent Elyounoussi racing into space. The Norwegian’s finish, curled into the far corner of the net from 25 yards, was exquisite.

His second wasn’t bad either. Jeremie Frimpong dashed down the right then picked out Elyounoussi amid a ruck of Lille players in the penalty box, with his cushioned first-time shot creeping in at the far corner.

Bain – deputising for Vasilias Barkas – denied the hosts a lifeline after Shane Duffy clipped the heels of Jonathan David. The contact looked a yard outside the box, but Bain made it a moot point as he stuck out a leg to stop David’s penalty down the middle.

The keeper had earned the good fortune that came his way moments later as he spilled a simple ball into the box and Sven Botman knocked it on to the top of the crossbar.

The second half was all about survival for Celtic as Lille dominated. After centre-back Kristoffer Ajer was forced off injured, Celik sneaked in at the back post to meet Adama Soumaoro’s flick-on from a corner and bundle home.

The Scottish champions had fleeting breakaways at the other end, but their lead was wiped out 15 minutes from time when Ikone’s drive deflected off Duffy.

Man of the match – Mohamed Elyounoussi

What did we learn?

Celtic are now on their longest run without victory since 2014, yet this draw may well mark a turning point. Lennon’s team looked much more like the free-flowing side of last season as they attacked with verve and flair in a thrilling first half.

And even though their lead disintegrated, Celtic dug in to make sure they did not leave empty-handed. The return of Odsonne Edouard and Nir Bitton as substitutes after recovering from Covid-19 also strengthens Lennon’s options for a crucial run of fixtures at home and abroad.

What did they say?

Celtic manager Neil Lennon: “I was delighted with our approach to the game. First half we were outstanding and on the counter-attack we could have won the game.”

What the stats say

• Lille are winless in their past 13 European matches (including qualifiers) on home soil (D6 L7) since August 2012.
• Away from home in the Europa League, Celtic have only managed to wins two of their 23 matches (D11 L10).
• Celtic have lost just one of their past 11 away matches in all European competition (W6 D4), going unbeaten in the last four such games.
• Lille have failed to keep a clean sheet in European competition in each of their last 13 matches, since a 0-0 draw with Everton in October 2014.
• Celtic’s Mohamed Elyounoussi has scored with three of his four shots on target in the Europa League this season.

What’s next?

Celtic head to Hampden Park on Sunday for a Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen (14:30 GMT) delayed from last season.