Ten-man Celtic draw 2-2 with Bologna for valuable Europa League point

Celtic battled to a draw with Bologna in Italy to keep their hopes of Europa League progress alive.

The Premiership side took a two-goal lead in the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, but Reo Hatate’s first-half red card left the team with a tough task, and Bologna drew level but couldn’t find a winner.

The hosts started strongly, holding possession and pushing forward at every opportunity but gifted Celtic the lead after just five minutes.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was under no pressure when collecting a pass but inexplicably passed the ball left to Daizen Maeda, who took a touch before sliding a pass for Hatate to finish into an empty net.

The visitors almost doubled their lead quickly when Yang hit a strong goal-bound effort, but Skorupski was sharp this time and palmed the shot wide.

Bologna settled and began to dominate as they searched for an equaliser and were handed a massive boost when Hatate was sent off just after the half-hour mark. The Japanese midfielder had already been booked for a challenge on Lewis Ferguson and when he flicked a boot out at Juan Miranda while shoulder to shoulder, he was shown a second yellow and sent off.

Despite the setback, Celtic did get their second goal soon after. Kieran Tierney’s corner was flicked on by Arne Engels and Auston Trusty was at the back post to stab the ball over the line.

The visitors went in two goals ahead despite having been under pressure but couldn’t withstand Bologna’s repeated advances in the second half.

Thjis Dallinga headed in the Italian side’s first goal in the 58th minute to give his side hope, and Jonathan Rowe fired in a powerful equaliser with 20 minutes to go.

Celtic had to dig deep and put bodies on the line to stay in the game but thwarted numerous Bologna attacks to earn a point that could be hugely valuable with just one League Phase match, at home to Utrecht, left to play as they chase a knockout place.