Celtic 2 Ajax 1
Match-Day 3
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Celtic recorded their first victory in the group stages, this season, with an assured performance against Ajax. The Dutch side were the favourites for the game, but the Celts were buoyed on by the ever-faithful Celtic supporters.

The Green Brigade put on a fantastic display, yet again.
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The Dutch side controlled possession through-out, but seldom threatened the home side. A rare strike from range by Poulsen in the first half, following a Fischer free-kick, was the only worry in the first-half. The woodwork providing the Hoops salvage in this case, much to the relief of Lennon's Bhoys.

James Forrest, returning to full fitness, put in a good shift on the night, looking more like his usual self.
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James Forrest did not show any lacking in confidence when he stepped up to take the Hoops penalty, putting the Bhoys ahead 1-0 on the night. Neil Lennon's belief in the winger was restored in emphatic fashion. Ajax fans did not respond in good humour to seeing their side go behind, letting their club down due to the nature of their behaviour. UEFA will be looking into the matter.

Celtic were happy to let Ajax play in the their own half, yet denying them any real penetration.
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Beram Kayal, returning to the side, shone in the Celtic midfield on the night. It was no surprise then that he was the man to double the Celts lead, with a deflected shot eluding the goalkeeper, Cillessen, to send the home fans into raptures. It was the Israeli's first goal since May 2011, and it couldn't have came at a better time.

Biton, who had barely been on the pitch, was red-carded after hiting Serero with a late challenge. The Israeli suitably looked disappointed with himself following his ordering off. The Ajax player perhaps made a show out of the clash, but the young midfielder will view this as a learning process, hopefully.


Substitute, Schone, finished tidily in the second-half with a curled shot to reduce the deficit. However, it is Neil Lennon's side that will be looking ahead to the return fixture in Amsterdam. The Celtic boss feels his side can now push on and threaten to qualify for the Last 16, for the 2nd season on the bounce, and on this evidence, there's no reason why they can't.

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