‘We were outstanding against a very good side’: Neil Lennon thrilled by Celtic’s victory over Cluj in the Champions League
- The visitors claimed a shock 4-3 win in Champions League qualifier in August
- Edouard headed in the opener in the 20th minute as the home side dominated
- Forward Elyounoussi added a second on the hour mark with a deflected drive
Neil Lennon hailed a thrilling Europa League win over Cluj as the start of something big for Celtic.
Goals in each half from Odsonne Edouard and on-loan winger Mohammed Elyounoussi secured revenge over the champions of Romania after Dan Petrescu’s side eliminated the Parkhead side from the Champions League in August.
Thrilled by the display which propelled his side to the top of their group after an opening night draw in Rennes Lennon insists Scotland’s champions now have nothing to fear back games with Serie A cracks Lazio.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon was thrilled by the display which sent his side to the top of their group
‘It was very exciting. We wanted a strong performance from the team tonight and I got more than that. I thought we were outstanding.
‘My only disappointment is that we didn’t win the game by more. They are functioning as a team, there is a real solidity about us and fluidity going forward.
‘We looked really strong and thoroughly deserved the win. There was some outstanding individual performances and from one to 11 I thought we were absolutely excellent against a very good side.
Celtic Odsonne Edouard gave the home side a deserved lead in the first half on Thursday
Boli Bolingoli crossed from the left and Odsonne Edouard headed home in the 20th minute
‘I thought we were very good in Rennes and Rangers away was a great performance as well.
‘So I’m getting great performances from the team. I think there is more to come.
‘I said to the players tonight that I think we have the makings of a good side.
‘It’s embryonic in the season and I’m not getting carried away. But I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted for the supporters as well to have European football back here and a good performance from the team. It was exciting and we created a lot of chances.’
Mohamed Elyounoussi started and finished the move that put the home side 2-0 up
James Forrest turned the ball back to the winger and his low drive was deflected into the net
Lennon praised the performances of captain Scott Brown and midfield partner Callum McGregor as his side avenged a calamitous 4-3 loss to Cluj in August – still their only loss of the season.
‘We are top of the group and it’s a great start. It’s early, the group is still open, it’s tight. Cluj and Lazio both have three points and you can’t write Rennes off. But the performances I’ve had in the first two games have given us a lot of food for thought in a positive way.’
Cluj coach Dan Petrescu claims Celtic and Lazio are now favourites to progress to the last 32 saying: ‘For me Celtic and Lazio are the big favourites in this group. Normally they should go through but in football there are some surprises.’
Laughing off the Romanian legend’s mind games Neil Lennon responded: ‘We’ll take everything Dan says with a pinch of salt. We’re playing at the minute but it could all change over the course of a few months with injuries and suspensions. We’ll enjoy tonight and move on to Sunday.’
Cluj striker Mario Rondon was booked for a theatrical dive inside the penalty box
Referee Daniel Siebert waved away appeals for a penalty by Cluj striker Mario Rondon