10-man Hoops blow two-goal lead in Europa League thriller against Bologna

In a pulsating Europa League encounter at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Celtic squandered a commanding two-goal advantage, settling for a 2-2 draw against Bologna after playing with ten men for much of the match.

The Scottish giants, under pressure to secure vital points in the group stage, started brightly but ultimately paid the price for defensive lapses and a costly red card, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in European competitions.

The drama unfolded early when Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski gifted Celtic the opener. Under minimal pressure, Skorupski’s errant pass fell straight to Daizen Maeda inside the penalty area.

The Japanese forward displayed composure, squaring the ball to compatriot Reo Hatate, who slotted home from close range for a simple finish in the opening minutes.

This blunder set the tone for a chaotic first half, as Bologna, stung by the mistake, ramped up their intensity and began dominating possession.

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was called into action repeatedly, producing a string of vital saves to deny the hosts.

A crucial block from defender Liam Scales further frustrated Bologna’s mounting attacks, as the Italian side’s momentum built ominously.

However, Celtic’s fortunes took a sharp turn when Hatate, the goalscorer, received two yellow cards in quick succession, just three minutes apart, for reckless challenges, reducing the visitors to ten men before halftime.

Against the run of play, Celtic doubled their lead in the 40th minute. American defender Auston Trusty capitalized on a set-piece, turning in a flicked header from Arne Engels at the back post to stun the home crowd. It seemed like a potential turning point, offering breathing room despite the numerical disadvantage.

The second half belonged to Bologna, who clawed back into the contest. Thijs Dallinga ignited the comeback with a powerful header early after the restart, halving the deficit and injecting belief into Vincenzo Italiano’s side.

As Celtic retreated deeper, Jonathan Rowe leveled the scores with 18 minutes remaining. In a crowded penalty box, Schmeichel was unsighted as Rowe’s effort fizzed to the goalkeeper’s right and nestled into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.

From that moment, Celtic were pinned in their own half, absorbing wave after wave of Bologna pressure. Yet, Martin O’Neil’ men showed resilience, thwarting any clear-cut opportunities and ensuring they escaped with a point.

The result leaves Celtic’s Europa League campaign hanging in the balance, while Bologna will rue not capitalizing fully on their dominance.

This draw underscores Celtic’s recurring issue of failing to close out games in Europe, a pattern that has haunted them in recent seasons.