da realbet： It may have been a game of little consequence in Champions League Group C, with Manchester City already guaranteed second-place qualification and Celtic already eliminated from Europe’s top tournament, but last night’s clash at the Etihad Stadium was by no means a drab affair.
da mrbet： Indeed, both sides (albeit, City weakened from their usual XI) looked to play attacking football and produced a 90 minutes that certainly appeased the supporters, even if it didn’t quite blow them away in the same manner as the 3-3 in the reverse fixture at Celtic Park in September.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts, famously on loan from Manchester City, opened the scoring against his parent club but found his goal cancelled out just four minutes later through a well-taken Kelechi Iheanacho strike.
Although the scoreline didn’t change for the remaining 80 minutes, City and Celtic flirted with the notion enough to keep us all invested in an intriguing game of football. Here are SEVEN stunning images to help sum it all up.
City pay their respects
The footballing world has been left heartbroken by the Chapecoense tragedy, which took the lives of 71 people as the Brazilian team travelled to Colombia for the South American equivalent of the Europa League final. The beautiful game has been in mourning ever since and both clubs paid their respects before kickoff last night with a minute’s silence. Here, Manchester City’s stars hold up a banner in the club’s honour. Since then, Bolivian authorities have arrested the head of the airline involved in the crash – LaMia.
The next City star
He may have been representing Celtic last night but on-loan winger Patrick Roberts was undoubtedly auditioning for his future with the opposition – parent club Manchester City. The 19-year-old certainly impressed, opening the scoring with an effort in the fourth minute. Cutting in from the right flank, he went on a mazy run into the penalty area before sneaking the ball through a crowd of onrushing City defenders and into the back of Willy Caballero’s net. This image shows just how little room Roberts had to work with.
Kelechi levels the scores
Roberts was by no means the only youngster to impress last night, with Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho also getting on the scoresheet. A crafty pass from Nolito found the Nigerian international as he broke into the penalty box and one solid first touch later, he unleashed a powerful left-footed drive that gave Craig Gordon no chance between the sticks. An incredibly cool customer, evident enough by his finish, the 20-year-old opted for a more muted celebration.
Dogfighters
Celtic absolutely dominated Manchester City in the air last night, winning more than double the amount of aerial duels as the home side – seven compared to 15. The Bhoys’ back four won eleven alone, but star striker Moussa Dembele – pictured here battling with Manchester City youngster Oluwatosin Adarabioyo – could only manage one at the other end. Celtic’s aerial supremacy was a recurring theme throughout the game, but unfortunately for Brendan Rodgers didn’t directly affect the scoreline.
Nolito the nearly man
Both goals may have come in the opening ten minutes but there were certainly chances throughout the remaining 80. In the 65th minute, City thought they’d finally broken the deadlock after a cross from the right flank passed through the Celtic defence and the legs of Iheanacho to find its way to winger Nolito at the far post. The Spaniard duly converted from almost point-blank range, only to see the linesman raise his flag for offside as he wheeled away in celebration.
Super-sub Steven
Likewise, substitute Gary Mackay-Steven had the chance to win the game for Celtic in the dying embers of the match after coming on as a 51st-minute substitute. The one-cap Scot was making his first appearance of the season but found himself through on goal after a delicate through pass picked up his run from deep midfield. Perhaps suffering a little ring-rust, however, Mackay-Steven couldn’t beat Willy Caballero, with the Argentine staying big at his near post. A what-could-have-been moment for the Bhoys.
Celtic fans satisfied
They may be out of Europe until next season but Celtic certainly gave the Champions League a good farewell last night and put on a solid display for their supporters, going toe-to-toe with arguably the most talented side in England and coming away with a more than respectable point – only their second on the road in Europe this season. Hoops supporters seemed satisfied enough upon the final whistle, including this lad with a frankly wonderful hat.