Ten-man Celtic salvaged a precious Europa League point after surrendering a two-goal lead in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Bologna on Thursday night. The result keeps Martin O'Neill's side in contention for progression to the knockout phase with one match remaining in the league stage.
Celtic made a dream start when Reo Hatate capitalized on a dreadful error from Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski in the fifth minute. Skorupski's wayward pass went straight to striker Daizen Maeda, who unselfishly squared the ball for his compatriot to roll into an empty net. The Scottish champions doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Auston Trusty headed home at the back post after Arne Engels nodded on Kieran Tierney's inswinging corner.
The match turned dramatically moments before halftime when Hatate was sent off for two bookable offenses in quick succession. The Japanese midfielder was initially cautioned for fouling Lewis Ferguson before needlessly flicking out a boot to catch Miranda as the pair chased a loose ball. Manager O'Neill received a yellow card himself for his furious protests on the touchline.
Bologna seized the initiative after the break and pulled one back through Thijs Dallinga in the 58th minute, the striker getting in front of Colby Donovan to nod home from six yards after Jens Odgaard headed on a cross. The Italian side completed their comeback in the 72nd minute when former Norwich winger Jonathan Rowe evaded substitute Benjamin Nygren on the edge of the box and smashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net past a motionless Kasper Schmeichel.
The draw leaves Celtic on eight points from seven matches, meaning they likely need victory against already-eliminated Utrecht at Parkhead next week to secure their place in the playoff round. Bologna move to seven points and remain in a precarious position heading into the final matchday.
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