Well it wasn’t pretty, we knew that. It wasn’t easy, we knew that. But somehow, we’re there. So enjoy it!
Forster 6 – Nothing he could have done with the goal but apart from that every time he was called upon he didn’t disappoint, not many saves to be made but was always alert.
Lustig 7 – Up and down the wing all night, not the best of deliveries but the guy gets the ball in the box and makes the defenders earn their money. Just feel sorry for the guy because its not Movember anymore and theres really no excuses.
Wilson 7 – The most improved player at the club. Steady again and was never overawed by the occasion. Has kept Messi and Cardozo quiet previously so his upward rise in performances continued due to his confidence being sky high.
Ambrose 6 – Whether he didn’t want to kick his pal Eminike or he just had an off night, Ambrose wasn’t at his best. His countryman tore him to shreds at times in the first half and Ambrose was easily beaten at the goal. Still likes to take the ball out of defence and his confidence has not been shattered. Will have to improve in the next round.
Izaguirre 5 – His poorest show in a long time. Casually jogging back as Ari, who he’s meant to be marking, screamed for the ball before delightfully dinking home. Was better going forward but has to hold hands up and take some blame for the goal.
Brown 6 – Gave the ball away for the goal but never took a step back all night. Dug in like a proper captain and got himself further forward than we’ve seen usually from him. Shooting let him down but didn’t disgrace himself.
Kayal 6 – Put himself about and kept the ball really well. HOWEVER. Totally gimped out of the challenge when Eminike was powering towards goal. Where is the Kayal who single-handedly bossed the midfield at Ibrox? Thats the kayal we need if we are to progress any further.
Mulgrew 6 – Wasn’t his worst night, I don’t agree with anyone getting in the team purely because he can cross a ball. Despite that, Mulgrew wasn’t at his usual calamity Jane style self. Still wants far too much time on the ball and only found the Spartak Keeper with his corners.
Commons 7 – Was cool all night, never wasted a pass and was often the ball carrier in midfield to allow Celtic to move up the park. Terrific penalty when everyone else seemed to look away. Commons stepped up and powered it home. Stretchered off after a crude challenge late on.
Samaras 8 – Star man for me. very often the outlet for Celtic in Europe and plays the role superbly. The 6th Game of the group stage and 6th time Samaras has been double marked every time he picked the ball up. May have been inviting the contact that did come for the penalty but his play merited the fortune.
Hooper 7 – Some people see Hooper as a goal machine, he’s so much more than that. His link-up play is starting to come back again and his first touch too. A fantastic finish under pressure and on the half volley to put Celtic one up. We can only benefit from a fit and confident Gary Hooper.
Subs – Ledley Lassad and Matthews came on and didn’t do anything significant to hinder or help the team
Star Man Award goes to the Benfica players who charitably decided to miss all those glorious chances.
So there you have it people. Who was your star man from the other night?
It was Commons for me. Star man by a mile 🙂
think sammy was star man, just for the last 15mins alone
Commons without a shadow! His accumulated performance in the tourney matched big Sammy,s but what a penalty! A decisive rocket, which laughed at pressure, and farted in fears face. That,s how to takem!. Games may be decided on pens next round. Get the bhoys on the practise pitch Lenny, coz its not our strongest dept.
Samaras as well for me. Had a hand in both goals and was competent in possession all night under special attention from the Spartak defenders.