TEN-MAN Celtic produced a display of immense character and grit to secure a 2-2 draw against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, keeping their hopes of Europa League knockout progression firmly alive.
In a game of two halves, Martin O’Neill’s side raced into a 2-0 lead through Reo Hatate and Auston Trusty, only to be pegged back following a controversial red card for the Japanese goalscorer. Despite a relentless second-half siege from the hosts, the Hoops held firm to leave Italy with a point that could prove pivotal come the final matchday.
Hatate: From Hero to Zero
Celtic could not have dreamed of a better start. Just six minutes in, Bologna keeper Lukasz Skorupski gifted the ball to Daizen Maeda, who squared for Reo Hatate to smash home. It was a historic moment for Hatate, who became the first Celtic player to both score and be sent off in the same European match.
The midfielder’s night took a dark turn in the 34th minute. Having already been booked for a foul on Lewis Ferguson, Hatate was shown a second yellow for a petulant challenge on Juan Miranda. A furious Martin O’Neill was also cautioned for his protests on the touchline, though he later admitted the referee likely got the call right.
Trusty Doubles the Lead
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Celtic struck again before the break. Auston Trusty—later named Player of the Match—stabbed home at the back post following a Kieran Tierney corner and an Arne Engels flick. It was Trusty’s first-ever goal in European competition and provided a vital “insurance policy” for a gruelling second half.
“That was my first goal in European competition so it means the world to me,” Trusty told Celtic TV. “Everyone put in a shift and everyone put in tremendous effort to come here and get a point.”
The Bologna Onslaught
The second half was a case of “backs to the wall” as Bologna threw everything at the Scottish champions. The Italian side registered a staggering 36 shots—the second-most in Europa League history—but found an inspired Kasper Schmeichel in their way.
The hosts eventually found their breakthrough via a Thijs Dallinga header on the hour mark, before Jonathan Rowe whistled a ferocious strike home to level the scores at 2-2. However, the winner never came as Scales, Souttar, and Trusty threw their bodies on the line to preserve the draw.
The Road to the Knockouts
The result means Celtic’s fate is in their own hands. A victory over FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on the final matchday (January 29) will be enough to secure a place in the knockout play-offs.
Attention now turns to the biggest game of the domestic season so far. Celtic travel to Tynecastle this Sunday to face league leaders **Hearts**, knowing they must bridge a six-point gap to keep their title defence on track.
Match Stats
- Possession: Bologna 71% – 29% Celtic
- Shots: Bologna 36 – 8 Celtic
- Assists: Daizen Maeda recorded his 8th assist of the season—the most of any SPFL player.
- History: Callum McGregor made his 65th European start, moving closer to Billy McNeill’s record of 69.
Hoops fans, was that a point gained or two points lost after the 2-0 lead? Can we finish the job against Utrecht? Have your say in the comments!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
