Celtic v Bayer Leverkusen: Four things we learned


Another disappointing result for Celtic came in the form of a 4-0 home loss to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Instead of writing my customary player ratings, I will be talking about four things that came out of this evenings match. 

Celtic need to take their chances

Celtic had the same amount of shots as Bayer Leverkusen did tonight with eighteen. The Hoops spurned a number of early chances before the inevitable took place. Kyogo Furuhashi had the majority of Celtic’s opportunity and his rustiness is possibly a factor why he didn’t get his name on the score sheet however we’ll touch on that later on. It was the same story on Sunday against Dundee United when Albian Ajeti missed a few sitters and Celtic hit the woodwork on several occasions. Let’s hope the Bhoys are more clinical at Pittodrie this coming Sunday. 


Anthony Ralston always gives his all

I believe Anthony Ralston was one of few Celtic players who got pass marks tonight. The right back looks like he’ll have the right back position to his own in the coming weeks with Josip Juranovic’s ongoing injury problems. The Scot endured a horrible challenge with Leverkusen full back Mitchel Bakker yet prevailed to carry on. The twenty-two year old was totally exhausted towards the closing stages of the match, disposing his efforts. 


Kyogo is lively as ever despite returning from injury 

The major surprise and cause for optimism amongst fans before the match was the return of Kyogo Furuhashi to the Celtic lineup. The Japanese striker had seven goals in nine games going into this evenings match however was unable to add to that tally against Leverkusen. This is despite being presented with a number of opportunities although as I spoke of previously, his ineptness due to being out for some weeks led to him not being able to take them. Kyogo brought vitality through the middle which was lacked when Albian Ajeti was playing there. In spite of Kyogo not getting on the scoresheet, his return should be seen as a major positive. 


Florian Wirtz is a future star

I spoke of the German teenager in my article which profiled Bayer Leverkusen and Wirtz lived up to the mantra I gave him. The attacking midfielder scored Leverkusen’s second goal on the 35th minute to make it six goals and four assists in seven appearances across all competitions for himself this campaign. Incredible figures for an eighteen year old who has a bright future in the game. 


Celtic are without a win in their last two now. It is a midday kick off on Sunday as the Hoops travel to the North-East to take on Aberdeen. A game that’s importance cannot be underestimated. 


Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any thoughts or opinions, leave a comment below. Also, likes, re-tweets and follows are all greatly appreciated on my Twitter, @Josh_Footblog. 

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