Missed Opportunity as Celtic Gain Their First Point: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Celtic
A frustrating night for the Hoops as they were only able to earn a point in Warsaw, despite a dominating performance.
Celtic started the match in blistering fashion, with the Shakhtar players unable to handle the pressure. Ange Postecoglou’s side took the lead in ten minutes as Reo Hatate’s deflected attempt on goal crawled towards the back of the net.
Ange Postecoglou watches on as his side share the spoils in Warsaw (Image: Getty)
It was great work from Sead Haškabanović on his first Celtic start to get the ball through to Hatate and put the Bhoys ahead. It could have been two or three in the first 25 minutes as Celtic looked destined to win the game.
Although it looked to be a walk in the park for Celtic, Shakhtar were able to get back in the game as their star man Mykhaylo Mudryk was alert to the ball and smashed it past Joe Hart, who will be disappointed he didn’t do more to save it. The winger was too quick for Josip Juranović, who tried to track back as fast as he could to block the effort.
After the break, it was Celtic that started the strongest but nothing materialised as Shakhtar dug deep in their defensive duties. With five minutes remaining, substitute Giorgos Giakoumakis had the chance to be the hero but his curling effort went just beyond the post.
It’s a point a piece for both sides, but Celtic will feel they should be walking away with all three. The travelling support were their usual selves as they cheered on their side throughout the game.
The Hoops travel to Leipzig in their next match on 5 October, where they’ll be hoping to pull off a performance with a more clinical edge to any opportunities that face them.