CELTIC
CELTIC
Fraser Forster Has been the saviour but it did not turn out that way last night. His biggest flaw is failing to command the area and could have helped his defenders more at set pieces 5
Mikael Lustig Needs surgery on hip but Celtic's best player. Heroically threw himself into challenges, even after he appeared to aggravate issue 8
Efe Ambrose Broke well from the back but fed wide when he could have shot. Earned the wrath of his manager for mix-up which led to the opener. 6
Virgil van Dijk Fingers pointed in his direction after the Milan goal but could have made himself the hero. Volleyed straight at Cristian Abbiati's midriff from centimetres then header chalked off. Booked 5
Emilio Izaguirre Looked to get forward but also had to deal with runners on his flank. Had misfortune to be stuck on the post at Cristian Zapata's goal 5
Biram Kayal Scored against Ajax but could only block Charlie Mulgrew's effort then dally on his own shooting chance. Not the worst prior to being withdrawn after knock 6
Charlie Mulgrew Typically wicked delivery for early Derk Boerrigter chance, then had effort blocked by his own man. Struck one of Celtic's better chances too close to Abbiati 6
Derk Boerrigter Put up or shut up time for the Dutchman. Unconvincing with early chance at the far post, but got into good areas and had a couple of shots on goal. Late free-kick wide 5
Kris Commons Desperate to atone for Ajax display, but had Nigel De Jong in his face and struggled to influence the game. Frustration led to booking for kicking the ball away 5
James Forrest Given vote of confidence despite recent arrest, but rarely hit the bye-line as he would have wished. Struck foot of post with lunging effort just after the hour 5
Georgios Samaras Selection up front indicated he was the club's most reliable Champions League scorer. Won plenty of flicks, but soft header saved by Abbiati was his only real effort on goal 5
SUBSTITUTES
Joe Ledley (for Kayal 30) Like for like switch. Cross led to Van Dijk's disallowed goal 4
Anthony Stokes (for Commons 65) Found it hard to get involved down the left 3
Tom Rogic (for Forrest 80). Rare taste of action but never really involved 2
AC MILAN
Cristian Abbiati Veteran goalkeeper ill at ease amid aerial bombardment but made crucial stop from Virgil Van Dijk 6
Ignazio Abate Full back was the barrier Derk Boerrigter had to get past. Lasted only a couple of minutes of the second half before being replaced 6
Cristian Zapata Colombian centre-back recovered superbly to defy Birma Kayal after Charlie Mulgrew's shot broke to him, and lurked with intent at the far post to tap in the second from Antonio Nocerino's pass 8
Daniele Bonera Lost out in few aerial jousts with Georgios Samaras, but recovered well after losing to the Greek in one tussle. A steady performer 7
Urby Emanuelson Former Ajax man is a classic attacking full-back but was only briefly troubled by James Forrest. Provided cover for his centre halves and got forward more as the game wore on 7
Riccardo Montolivo The captain was restored after missing the game between these teams in Milan. Showed his class on the ball, including assist for the third 7
Nigel De Jong Looks to have put on a few pounds but tried to break up the play, including body slam on Samaras which went unpunished 7
Andrea Poli Got through a lot of the less glamorous work in the midfield, then coped admirably at right-back after the introduction of Nocerino 7
Valter Birsa Energetic Slovene does not command headlines, but was given key role in front three and did not disappoint. Pinpoint set piece deliveries led to two goals 8
Kaka In his 30s but still worthy of attention, not least in the six-yard box. The scourge of Celtic in 2007 guided in an obscenely simple header and went close with curler. Earned standing ovation 8
Mario Balotelli Mixed bag. Wasteful twice early on but borderline unplayable by the end. Outmuscled Efe Ambrose to tuck in the third 7
SUBSTITUTES
Antonio Nocerino (for Abate 48) Experienced sub sat in midfield after half-time shift and first contribution was to set up the second goal 5
Kevin Constant (for Birsa 72). Guinean defender played an advanced role after replacing the excellent Birsa 3
Robinho (for Kaka 82). Replaced countryman but no time to wreak usual havoc 3
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