AC Milan 4 – 2 Celtic

Celtic had some positive moments at the San Siro but were unable to maintain an early lead as AC Milan pulled off an excellent comeback to win 4-2 in the Europa League.

Celtic fans were desperate for a reaction after a surprising 2-0 loss to Ross County in the Scottish League Cup at the weekend, and their team got off to a perfect start when Tom Rogic (7) took advantage of the error. by Rade Krunic to see off the visitors ahead. Odsonne Edouard (14) added a quick second with a splintered finish as Celtic took advantage of a positive spell.

However, current Serie A leader AC Milan was not to be retained for long. Hakan Calhanoglu (24) launched a sensational free kick before Samu Castillejo (26) plunged into a sea of ​​green jerseys ahead of him to lead Milan.

The impressive Jens Petter Hauge (50) completed the Milan lap shortly after the break, although Celtic had another hot run midway through the second half. However, he could not find a way to tie before Brahim Diaz (82) finished off the score at the end, condemning Celtic to a third consecutive four-goal defeat in the Europa League.

The result, along with Lille’s 2-1 comeback against Sparta Prague, means Milan have qualified for the knockout rounds alongside the French team. It will be a battle between the two for first place in the final group games next Thursday, with Celtic, still last in Group H with just one point, welcoming group leader Lille to Celtic Park.

How Celtic stumbled again in Milan

It was a goal-laden opening half hour and was triggered by a bad mistake by midfielder Krunic. He couldn’t control an easy back pass from Gianluigi Donnarumma with Rogic waiting just behind. The Celtic man then strode across the top of the box before launching an excellent volley that passed the goalkeeper to give the visitors an early lead.

Rogic almost did two instantly later. Jeremie Frimpong had two crosses blocked by Theo Hernández, but the second fell into the hands of Rogic, who, surrounded by players, managed to deflect his shot, but he whistled wide. Callum McGregor also put Donnarumma to the test after a more orderly play from Celtic, but the Milan stopper rejected his effort.

The second didn’t feel too far away and finally came in the 14th minute. Ryan Christie launched a long pass over the top for what Edouard was waiting for, with defenders Diogo Dalot and Alessio Romagnoli, who had already replaced the injured Simon Kjaer, giving him plenty of space. . Edouard latched onto the pass before swinging around the far corner of the oncoming Donnarumma to double Celtic’s lead.

But Milan’s comeback was on and they drew one back with a world-class free kick from Calhanoglu. Christie made a thunderous challenge over Ante Rebic right in the middle, giving the hosts a dangerous lead. They also took it when Calhanoglu curved his set piece into the right corner, leaving Vasilis Barkas pinned in place.

Two minutes later and Milan were level. Hernandez sent a cross into the box after Calhanoglu picked it up from the left, with the ball headed later by Rebic. It landed for Castillejo, who sent a nice chip to the back of the net, without any of the five Celtic players in the area being able to block the effort.

It took AC Milan five minutes to gain the lead after the break. It was a magnificent solo goal from Hauge that cut through the area from the left flank, passing Frimpong, Hatem Abd Elhamed and McGregor with ease, before fitting into the far corner. It was his second goal against Celtic in the Europa League this season after also scoring Milan’s third goal at the end of the reverse game.

Celtic had a strong spell after the hour mark and could have matched. Frimpong twisted and turned to the right of the area, leaving Hernández on the ground, but his blow could only find the side of the net.

Soon after, Kristoffer Ajer made a sensational solo run from his own half into the opponent’s area, but his eventual cut was seen by Romagnoli. Christie also tested Donnarumma with a thunderous free kick of his own, but the keeper jumped for a superb save.

But it was another moment of magic from The Hague, coupled with poor Celtic defense, which allowed Milan to score their fourth goal at the end. The winger entered the area from the left wing and easily overcame Elhamed’s weak tackle attempt. He then set up the ball for Diaz, who edged out the approaching Barkas to help send Milan to the last 32.

Man of the match – Jens Petter Hauge

The 21-year-old Norwegian has only been at AC Milan for two months, but you wouldn’t have imagined him seeing him on Thursday night. He exploded a Celtic defense shaken by confidence on the left wing, racing over and over again.

For his goal, he came in over the flank and floated past three Celtic players as if they weren’t even there. It was also a wonderful ending, adding to the goal he scored against them in the reverse game in October.

He was also the instigator of Diaz’s room, doing the same run to test Celtic’s defense and they failed once again. It shows that despite being the best in Serie A, AC Milan have not had to spend a lot of money to find talent.

Opta stats: only Messi ahead of Calhanoglu

• Since the start of the 2013/14 season, only Lionel Messi (36) has scored more direct free kicks in all competitions than Hakan Calhanoglu (18) among players in the top five European leagues in that time.
• Odsonne Edouard has been directly involved in seven goals in his last eight UEFA Europa League starts (5 goals, 2 assists).
• Celtic’s Tomas Rogic scored his first goal in the UEFA Europa League in his 16th appearance in the competition.

Whats Next?

AC Milan will travel to Sampdoria on Sunday in Serie A as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table. They will then travel to Sparta Prague in the last match of the Europa League group next Thursday; Start 20:00 h.

Celtic are back in Scottish Premiership action Sunday when they host St Johnstone; start 15:00 h. Lille will then visit Celtic Park next week in the Europa League; Start 20:00 h.