CELTIC EARNED AN encouraging away point against Ajax in the opening game of their Europa League campaign but it could have been a whole lot more after the visitors led twice in Amsterdam.
After missing out on Champions League qualification, Ronny Delia’s side must make do with Europe’s second-tier competition and on this evidence they can make a major impression.
Twice they led the hosts but the Scottish champions were unable to shut it shop in the closing stages and after going down to 10-man with 15 minutes remaining, were unable to hold out for the win.
Nir Biton had given Delia’s men the dream start when Kris Commons squared for the Israeli midfielder and his powerful drive beat Jasper Cillessen.
But Ajax responded immediately and were on level terms shortly before the half hour mark as Viktor Fischer clever backheel beat Craig Gordon.
Celtic were giving as good as they got though and restored their lead just before the interval. Commons was again the provider as his corner was headed home by Mikael Lustig.
The Bhoys’ chances of holding on to their lead in the second-half received a setback when Emilio Izaguirre picked up two yellow cards and Lasse Schoene levelled with six minutes remaining.
Elsewhere in Group A, Fenerbahce were stunned by Molde as they lost 3-1 despite Nani’s first-half strike.
Thursday’s Europa League results (6pm kick-offs):
- Ajax 2-2 Celtic
- Fenerbahce 1-3 Molde
- Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool
- Sion 2-1 Rubin Kazan
- Borussia Dortmund 2-1 FC Krasnodar
- FC Qabala 0-0 Paok
- FC Midtjylland 1-0 Legia Warsaw
- Napoli 5-0 Club Brugge
- Rapid Wien 2-1 Villarreal
- Viktoria Plzen 2-0 Dinamo Minsk
- FC Groningen 0-3 Marseille
- Liberec 0-1 Braga
