Celtic remain on course to to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2013 after recovering from an early setback to earn another valuable point at home to Club Brugge on matchday five.
Brendan Rodgers’ side know their destiny is still in their own hands after Cameron Carter-Vickers calamitous first-half own goal was cancelled out by Daizen Maeda’s sumptuous equaliser on the hour mark against the impressive Belgian champions in Glasgow’s east end.
The Hoops looked miles off the pace during the opening 45 minutes and were trailing at the break after a disastrous mix-up at the back led US international Carter-Vickers to roll the ball past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to leave the home crowd in shock and dismay.
Brugge passed up several other chances to extend their lead before a moment of sheer class from Japanese attacker Maeda levelled the tie after he broke into the box and chopped back inside onto his right foot before curling a precise finish beyond visiting stopper Simon Mignolet and in off the post.
The Parkhead side were fortunate were left breathing a sigh of relief just eight minutes later when striker Ferran Jutgla saw his goal ruled out by VAR for an offside infringement.
And while both sides created opportunities to win it, a share of the spoils appeared a fair outcome with the result leaving Celtic on eight points in 20th place in the standings. Next up is a trip to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb on December 10 followed by a home game with pointless Swiss champions Young Boys and a trip to Aston Villa to round off their campaign.
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players at Parkhead.
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1. Kasper Schmeichel - 6/10
Slight breakdown in communication with CCV led to Brugge's opener, but immediately called a huddle to demand a reaction. Terrific finger-tip save from de Cuper and then again from Vermant. | Getty Images
2. Alistair Johnston - 6/10
Picked up an early knock but managed to shake it off. His work-rate cannot be questioned but didn't get forward with as much zest. | Getty Images
3. Cameron Carter-Vickers - 5/10
Calamitous OG saw him pass into his own net after a moment of panic. Recovered well thereafter and showed good character to shake off that horror moment. | Getty Images
4. Auston Trusty - 7/10
Arguably the standout performance. Defended strongly both in the air and on the deck. His use of the ball was effective and stood up to Brugge's threat particularly well. | Getty Images