Celtic player ratings vs Benfica as stats experts rate top stars and flops from heavy Europa League defeat
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players in action against Benfica.
Celtic lost 4-1 against Benfica during their latest league phase match in the Europa League.
Having lost on matchday 1 at Parkhead against Ferencvaros, their previous European game before that a humbling Champions League exit against LASK, things weren’t getting much easier on the continent. Benfica had already pasted Hearts this season in qualifying and Celtic knew keeping compact would be key to avoid a similar fate to the 6-1 loss the Premiership rivals they face on Sunday suffered. Performance levels had gone up last weekend against Motherwell but this was a different beast and Jhon Duran’s fifth-minute penalty gave them a mountain to climb.
Alexander Bah doubled Benfica’s lead but Kasper Hogh then Camilo Duran hit the woodwork in search of a halved deficit. The home side’s Duran soon made it three before the visiting star pulled one back amid continued Benfica dominance. He hit the post again before the end in an improved second half overall for the visiting team. Vangelis Pavlidis found the winner to end the game on a sour note and next up is Hearts at home in the league and here’s how stats experts WhoScored rated the Celtic players.
Viljami Sinisalo - 5.6/10
Possibly could do better for the second Benfica goal? Definitely for the third that goes right through him. Not his best night and lowest marks.
Colby Donovan - 6.8/10
A tough time in the first half but stabilised after the break. Rated favourably by the experts.
Dane Murray - 5.9/10
A huge chance for the academy graduate after impressive showing against Motherwell. Gives away the penalty and part of a defence that conceded three first half goals.
Auston Trusty - 5.7/10
Placed on the left-hand-side ahead of Liam Scales. Failed to calm down the defence amid a rocky first half before a stable second. Lowest rated outfield player
Kieran Tierney - 6.5/10
Unable to show attacking intent he did against Motherwell. Defensive work the priority.
Callum McGregor - 6.1/10
Looking to dictate play against top opposition but game changes before it even gets going.
Mika Baur - 6.5/10
Impressed at Motherwell and quarterback-style play needed again here. Flashes of quality but outgunned overall.
Oliver Sorensen - 5.8/10
Aimed to add a touch more defensive nous in the engine room but faced a tough night. One of the lower-rated Celtic player.
Camilo Duran - 7.4/10
Made the game after the birth of his child. Hit the post, then scored, and hit the post again. Shone in the Champions League for Qarabag and doing so in the Europa League this term. Unsurprisingly the star man.
Kasper Hogh - 6.3/10
Trusted at number nine amid poor form but this is the type of game he was signed for. Post hitting from close range at 2-0 down wont’ do confidence any good and neither will not making the second half.
Sebastian Tounekti - 6.2/10
Continues to be given chances off the left. End product remains elusive and subbing at break sums up his night.
Subs used: Callum Osmand, Hasseim Hassan, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Benjamin Nygren, Jordan Lotomba.
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