Champions League: Celtic Vs Brugge Player Ratings

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 28, 2024

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Champions League: Celtic vs Brugge Player Ratings – A Night of Mixed Performances

Celtic's Champions League clash against Club Brugge at Celtic Park delivered a thrilling, if ultimately frustrating, night for the Hoops. A 1-0 victory, secured by a late Kyogo Furuhashi goal, wasn't enough to overturn the first leg deficit, meaning their European adventure ends prematurely. But how did the individual players fare? Let's delve into our player ratings:

Celtic Player Ratings: A Tale of Two Halves

The performance was a rollercoaster, with a lackluster first half giving way to a much more dominant second. This is reflected in the individual ratings:

Star Performers:

• Kyogo Furuhashi (8.5/10): The Japanese striker was, as always, a constant threat. His tireless pressing and intelligent movement caused Brugge countless problems. His late goal, a moment of pure class, was the highlight of the night, showcasing his clinical finishing and unwavering commitment. While he couldn't single-handedly salvage the tie, his performance deserves significant praise.

• Callum McGregor (8/10): The captain led by example, displaying his usual unwavering work rate and tactical awareness in midfield. He dictated the tempo of the game in the second half, driving Celtic forward and providing a crucial link between defense and attack. His influence on the game was undeniable.

• Reo Hatate (7.5/10): Hatate's creative passing and driving runs were a key component of Celtic's improved second-half performance. Although he lacked the end product at times, his contribution to Celtic's overall attacking threat was significant.

Solid Performances:

• Jota (7/10): Showed glimpses of his brilliance, particularly with his trickery and pace on the wing. However, he could have been more decisive in the final third.

• Greg Taylor (7/10): A reliable performance from the left-back, providing both defensive solidity and occasional forays forward.

• Cameron Carter-Vickers (7/10): A composed display at the heart of the Celtic defense. He dealt effectively with Brugge's attacking threats, showcasing his strength and positional sense.

Areas for Improvement:

• Matt O'Riley (6.5/10): While he worked hard, his impact on the game was less significant than in other matches. He needs to improve his final ball and decision-making in the final third.

• Daizen Maeda (6/10): His work rate was commendable, but his end product was lacking. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal.

• Aaron Mooy (6/10): Struggled to impose himself on the midfield battle in the first half. His experience was needed more, especially in controlling the tempo.

Club Brugge Player Ratings: A Defensive Masterclass (Mostly)

Brugge's strategy was largely successful. While they didn't offer much going forward, their defensive organization was impeccable.

Notable Performances:

• Simon Mignolet (7.5/10): Made several crucial saves to keep Celtic at bay, particularly in the first half. His performance was pivotal in securing the aggregate victory.

Mixed Performances:

• Most players (6-7/10): Brugge players generally performed their roles well, but the lack of attacking impetus meant few players truly stood out. Their defensive solidity was their strength, neutralizing Celtic's attacking threat for significant periods.

Conclusion: A Night of Contrasts

The match highlighted the contrasting styles of both teams. Celtic's attacking intent was evident, especially in the second half. However, Brugge's defensive resilience proved decisive. While Celtic bowed out of the Champions League, their performance, particularly in the second half, offers encouragement moving forward. The individual player ratings reflect both the high points and areas where improvement is needed. The focus now shifts to domestic competitions and rebuilding for next season's European campaign.