Černy condemns Celtic, Ajax still afloat
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Article summary
Celtic 1-2 Ajax
Vaclav Černy came off the bench to confirm the Hoops' exit, though both sides would have been out had he not struck on 88 minutes.
Article top media content
Article body
- Ajax fight back to condemn Celtic to an early exit in Group A
- Callum McGregor's quick opener is cancelled out by Arkadiusz Milik
- Substitute Václav Černy scores 88th-minute winner for Ajax
- Ajax remain two points adrift of second-placed Fenerbahçe
- Final Group A games: Fenerbahçe v Celtic, Ajax v Molde (10 December)
Ajax came from behind to maintain their hopes of qualifying from UEFA Europa League Group A with a 2-1 victory in Glasgow which ended Celtic's own chances.
The Hoops got off to the perfect start when Callum McGregor – deputising for the injured Kris Commons – cut in from the left before curling a sweet 20-metre shot past Jasper Cillesen. With four regular starters either injured or suspended, the Celtic midfield had an unfamiliar look but the energy of the newcomers seemed to unsettle the visitors in the early stages.
However, McGregor went from saint to sinner, losing possession in midfield in the 22nd minute. From there the ball was deflected into the path of Viktor Fischer and although Craig Gordon parried his initial effort, the winger crossed again for Arkadiusz Milik who converted from close range.
Amin Younes was causing all sorts of problems for Ronny Deila's side down the left and just after the half-hour the German arced a shot just over before a sweeping move at the other end almost saw Tom Rogic restore Celtic's lead.
Both teams pressed for a winner in the second half, McGregor going closest for the hosts with a deflected long-range drive that bounced back off the crossbar. With 25 minutes remaining, Leigh Griffiths was denied by the feet of Cillessen – a missed chance that would prove costly as 18-year-old Vaclav Černy came off the bench to fire the late clincher past Gordon.
Injury-hit Hoops
Initially Celtic made light of their missing players with McGregor and Rogic particularly lively in midfield, but a tendency to give away the ball in the central area cost them dear for the equaliser and a misplaced pass from substitute Scott Allan was also punished two minutes from time when Ajax settled matters.
Ajax's saving grace
Cillessen may not have scored the decider but he made a number of crucial saves including one with his feet with Griffiths through on goal. Had that opportunity gone in, it could have been a different outcome.
