3 takeaways from Celtic’s nervy affair at Astana

It was a bittersweet night for Celtic in Kazakhstan.

On the one hand, qualification to the Champions League group stage was secured, on the other…it was way too nervy given the 5-0 result at home.

Rather than taking the game to Astana, it was the hosts playing without fear and it led to a scary 4-3 scoreline in favor of in the second leg. A late goal from Olivier Ntcham gave a nervy Hoops faithful some reason to breath in the final 10 minutes of the match.

After talking about not being complacent, Brendan Rodgers’ side looked every bit of that at times. Credit Astana with a spirited effort, but Celtic failed to respond to much. Outside of Scott Sinclair responding to an opening goal by Astana it was one choppy match by the Bhoys on the night.

If it weren’t for two late goals by Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths things would’ve looked a lot different on the score sheet and in terms of the number of heart problems created.

But, what did we learn from this matchup?

Ajer, Bitton not ready for European football

Few doubt that Kristoff Ajer has a nice future in front of him at Celtic. But, the 19-year-old was thrown in to the deep end of an away tie in the Champions league play-off stage.

It should’ve been a relaxing day for Celtic, up 5-0 from the home leg and all. Instead, Ajer paired up with Nir Bitton to form a brutally bad pairing in the middle of defense.

At times, Ajer looked completely lost and he was responsible for at least two of Astana’s goals on the night. He actually was credited with an own goal for Astana’s opener, and while that can happen to the best of defenders, his lack of correct spacing led to him having a desperate attempt to block a shot.

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Then there is Bitton, who somehow forgot a basic tenant of defending — always take the man over the potential pass in the box. Instead, he forgot that and it led to an absolutely scary fourth goal for Astana just outside of 20 minutes to go.

If Bitton is doing his job, Mikael Lustig isn’t left between a rock and a hard place and can actually take the man crashing in at the near post. A total lack of awareness and communication were really evident on the fourth goal. It was also indicative of the night Celtic’s defense had.

Just. Brutal.

Overall, the pairing was a failing and a further indication that there needs to be at least one, if not two signings at the back before the transfer window closes.

Sinclair is Magical. Wonderful. On the European stage

If there is one player that can carry Celtic on his back as they move on to the Champions League group stage it seems like Scott Sinclair is that man. After a bit of slow start and a seemingly forced attack from Sinclair earlier this season, he’s picked things up considerably.

Following a brace in the home leg, Sinclair put in Celtic’s lone goal on the night. It became an important one, as it guaranteed no extra time for this second-leg tie. Either Astana were going to complete the deal in regulation or Celtic were going to hold on thanks to an away goal.

Despite that, Rodgers decided a clear defensive shell was needed to protect an inexperienced middle of the defense as Sinclair made way for Stuart Armstrong in the 62nd minute.

Still, there’s nothing more sublime than Sinclair at his best on a European night. I mean, watch this:

Craig Gordon saved Celtic’s Bacon

Mmmmmm….bacon.

Oh wait? It isn’t good when your goalkeeper has to be your Man of the Match after giving up four goals? I could’ve used another word in that headline…in fact, I would say Gordon saved Celtic’s ass on this night.

He had at least three tip saves over the top that prevented Astana goals and was basically on fire when not hung out to dry. Of the four goals, Gordon maybe had a realistic shot at saving one of them.

Simply put, without Gordon in between the sticks, Celtic may have come away from Astana heading to the Europa League group stage instead of the Champions League.

Thank you Craig Gordon. Celtic’s bank statement will thank you and so should each and every one of your defenders in front of you.