SPL champions Celtic produced a very good performance to record a 3-3 draw with Premier League leaders Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers deserves credit for setting his team out to attack and not just sit back to defend their own goal, as many of the Citizens opponents will do this season.
In truth, the Hoops knew that they had nothing to lose in attacking Pep Guardiola’s side, as very few people expected them to pick up anything from the encounter at Celtic Park.
However, the Scottish champions have been in fine form at Celtic Park under Rodgers this season, especially in front of goal. That prolific streak continued against a shell-shocked City defence.
Serbian full-back Aleksandar Kolarov was playing at centre-back and young striker Moussa Dembele tormented the former-Lazio star all night. Dembele scored twice and Kolarov looked shaky all night alongside Nicolas Otamendi.
Celtic became the first team to avoid defeat against City since Pep Guardiola took charge of the Citizens. This game could well prove a catalyst for brighter things for the Hoops. Rodgers was brought in to help the club progress in European competition.
A draw and a good performance against Guardiola’s Manchester City is definitely a step in the right direction for the Scottish giants. The good performance was needed following the 7-0 mauling at Barcelona in their opening Champions League group stage game.
Celtic are highly unlikely to qualify for the last-16 of the Champions League, as it was always going to be difficult in such a tough group. However, the Celtic fans will appreciate the fact that they are up against far superior teams with far bigger resources.
At least performances like Wednesday night’s show fans that the Hoops are moving in the right direction under Brendan Rodgers and it only bodes well for the team’s future.