KR Reykjavik 0-1 Celtic - Match Review

Article by Tom Shanahan

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CELTIC (4-2-3-1) Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Izaguirre; Johansen, Mulgrew; Griffiths (Boerrigter 73), Commons, McGregor; Stokes (Pukki 73)

Subs not used: Zaluska, Matthews, Henderson, Kayal, O'Connell

Celtic made a solid start to their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Icelandic champions. The score line may not have looked the most convincing however, the result certainly flattered KR.

In the low key surroundings of the KR-Vollur stadium Celtic started the match in an assured manner dominating possession. It quickly became apparent the home side viewed this as a damage limitation exercise and were quite happy to hit Celtic on the counter attack whenever possible.

Kris Commons lit up the match early on. Griffiths played a looped pass in between Commons and Stokes outside the penalty area. Commons gave Stokes the shout to move out of the way as last season’s Player of the Year connected perfectly with a volley which thundered against the crossbar. Just like the previous campaign it looked like the adopted Scot would be Celtic’s biggest attacking threat.

Unfortunately, the Hoops found it difficult to find any attacking fluency in their play to build on the earlier attempt from Commons. The pitch looked in great condition although it became clear early on that the playing surface had not been watered before kick off, hindering Celtic when trying to move the ball quickly.

When ever the midfield managed to move the ball with pace in the attacking third they were causing KR problems. Lustig was a threat for KR’s defence with good deliveries in to the penalty box however; there was no one on the receiving end.

The first half ended with Celtic frustrated at the lack of clear cut chances being carved out.

From the start of the second half Celtic came flying out the blocks as they looked to grab a vital away goal. The passing was slicker, the movement was quicker and Celtic really began to look a class above their opponents.

Once again Commons looked the most likely to break the deadlock. Two good chances fell to him, the first at the edge of the box but he was unable to keep his shot on target. The second came from a cut back on the left hand side, Commons scuffed his shot and Magnusson managed to smother the ball. It was a golden opportunity missed for the Hoops.

Next to try his luck was Griifiths. Playing wide right he cut inside and unleashed a bullet of a shot which smashed the bar and agonisingly bounced on the line and away to safety. Like Commons’ effort in the first half it deserved so much more.

Teemu Pukki and Derk Boerrigter replaced Stokes and Griffiths. The two substitutes added to Celtic’s attacking force. Boerrigter looked dangerous out on the left and provided good width to the team. Pukki appeared in a menacing mood as time and time again he got into the box looking to get on the end of any crosses however, the Finnish international should have opened his scoring tally for the season.

After a right footed Commons shot was saved by Magnusson, McGregor and Boerrigter followed in for the rebound. As the keeper once again blocked their attempts the ball fell to Pukki who took the ball wide of Magnusson however, he was unable to connect his left foot with the ball properly as his shot cannoned off the post. It looked as if it might not be Celtic’s night until McGregor grabbed the initiative.

The youngster showed great endeavour down the right flank and cut inside his marker onto his strong left foot. He feigned to shoot before drilling an effort through the defenders legs and into the near post of KR’s goal.

Relief all round as Celtic managed to play out the remaining minutes of the match with comfort and seal the important victory.

Manager Ronny Deila proclaimed he was very happy with the performance, especially in the second half and rightly so. Once the team got to grips with the playing surface they looked in complete control of the match with some incisive passing, particularly from Charlie Mulgrew.

Callum McGregor will of course take great credit for his goal although it was his overall performance that should be more encouraging. Naturally comfortable on the ball he always looks to get involved in the play. He has confidence to take on opponents, which he showed perfectly when scoring the winner. It should also not go unnoticed that the young Scot has a great work ethic and was willing to offer support to Izaguirre when required.

There were also the contributions from substitutes Derk Boerrigter and Teemu Pukki.

If Boerrigter can finally get over his injury problems he could make a huge contribution to Celtic this season. He has terrific pace which is something lacking from most of Celtic’s attacking players. On Tuesday night he also provided glimpses of the quality crosses into the box he is capable of. If Celtic finally manage to find a striker who is an aerial threat then this part of the Dutchman’s game could become a great asset.

After an impressive pre season so far Pukki looked sharp after replacing Stokes. Pukki seemed to have a real eagerness to get into box and with a little more composure he would’ve opened the scoring on Tuesday. If Pukki can regain his confidence after a tough first season then he could easily find himself in the starting line up for the more severe challenges that await Celtic this season.

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