The intensity of applause at the end was unusual for a Europa League triumph over weak opposition. On the other hand, context was crucial. The dreadful defeat at Dundee on Sunday might have been the Celtic low point.
When they won these crucial three points, they had significantly improved. They also earned them after falling behind by a goal, proving that Brendan Rodgers’ camp has some spirit. Celtic would have won much more easily if they had been more effective in front of goal. After Celtic took the lead, Sturm Graz closed with ten men but made no contributions.
After failing to act during the summer transfer window, Rodgers has made a disgruntled appearance. He highlighted the squad’s strengths, which was understandable given that they had largely fallen short this campaign. The manager of Celtic stated, “I thought the performance was outstanding.” “I’m incredibly happy with the tempo, quickness, and aggression we had. The squad made such excellent progress over the weekend.
Before Celtic started, Rangers had been humiliated in Brann and Aberdeen had been humiliated by AEK Athens, the most recent humiliating experiences for Scottish clubs in Europe. There, the total score was 9-0. Those from Scotland’s Premiership will need to begin qualifying for continental competition at Easter, based on the current coefficient rate. Usually lost in tribal fixation, the landscape is bleak.
Celtic has particular problems. A successful leaflet campaign outside Celtic Park warned supporters not to spend any money outside of match tickets, exposing their dissatisfaction with the club’s management. Until late January, the “not another penny” campaign will be in effect.
“The Celtic board has been pursuing a complacent strategy centered on being marginally superior to domestic opponents for far too long,” the documents stated. After just three minutes, Kelechi Iheanacho hobbled off, just as everyone inside the stadium was trying to concentrate on football. This further weakened a team that was already without a punch.
Iheanacho’s substitute, Johnny Kenny, had displayed flashes of promise prior to the incredible goal from Tomi Horvat that opened the scoring. From the angle of the penalty area, Kenny dragged wide of a post after pinching possession. Horvat finished with a powerful line, blasting the ball from 25 yards out into Kasper Schmeichel’s top-right corner. Horvat’s limited left-foot backlift made the already amazing goal even more memorable.
Arne Engels had a chance to equalize, but his effort was deflected wide as he dallied on the ball. More Celtic disturbance followed. Alistair Johnston, a right-back who was returning from injury, pulled up lame and went straight down the tunnel. Within thirty minutes, the hosts had lost two of their top performers.
They were also nearly two goals behind. Otar Kiteishvili’s shot instead flew behind through a post’s outside. Engels, who saw Emanuel Aiwu send a goalbound header off his own line, was Celtic’s response. Five minutes before halftime, Celtic made their best play of the half when Benjamin Nygren headed wide when it appeared to be an easier goal.
Shortly after the restart, Reo Hatate smashed a half-volley over the Graz bar. At the other end, Horvat was noticeably more accurate, nearly beating Schmeichel at his near post with a low, devious free-kick. Nygren had another chance to score with a header, but he was unsuccessful. His third attempt, a two-yard shot that Matteo Bignetti turned behind, was better. One of those evenings? Not at all. Celtic equalized from the resulting corner. On the balance of play, parity was completely legitimate.
Graz went defensive for the first time in the evening. The fact that the participants are not recognized for their aggressive intent sums up Celtic’s position. Engels was given a short corner, and Colby Donovan assisted him in getting his cross to Liam Scales, who converted brilliantly.
Graz would continue to sway. Nygren’s head was struck by a fantastic, inswinging Engels corner, and this time he made no mistake. Set plays and perseverance had paid off. In three minutes, the Scottish champions had completely changed the course of the match.
The consequences of Tochi Chukwuani’s conduct made Graz’s mission more difficult. The Austrians were reduced to 10 men as a direct result of the midfielder’s high lunge into Callum McGregor’s shin. For Rodgers and his team, the what mattered more than the how.
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