Celtic vs AZ Alkmaar: 3 things we learned as Bhoys make Europa League

It was not perfect, but Celtic have managed to make it to the group stage of the Europa League with a 3-2 win on aggregate against AZ Alkmaar in what was a very tight play-off round tie.

The visitors made a brilliant start to the game with Kyogo Furuhashi finding the back of the net in the 3rd minute of the game. The goal saw the Hoops take a 3-0 lead on aggregate and many fans must have felt at that point that the tie was over.

That was far from the truth though. AZ Alkmaar got a goal back not too much later, with Zakaria Aboukhlal scoring in the 6th minute as the Hoops failed to clear the ball. And then, things became very interesting when Carl Starfelt ended up scoring an own goal to make it 2-1 to the hosts.

It must be said that Ange Postecoglou’s side did well to keep things at 2-1 to secure their place in the Europa League group stage with a 3-2 win on aggregate.

Celtic vs AZ Alkmaar: 3 things we learned

Here are three things we learned as Celtic secured qualification to the Europa League group stage with a 3-2 aggregate win over AZ Alkmaar:

Defence remains a worry for Celtic

Defence has been a worry for the Hoops for a while and it continues to be so. The first goal that they conceded was easily avoidable. Stephen Welsh did not deal with the ball initially and then, Joe Hart should have reacted quicker.

Ultimately, it ended up being a gift for AZ Alkmaar and gave them the early goal that they needed in this tie to have hope of a comeback.

The second was an own goal from Starfelt, another one that the Hoops should not have conceded. The defender tried to clear the ball but completely misjudged it and it ended up in the back of his own net.

As we head towards the end of the summer transfer window, it must be said that the club could do with a few more additions at the back.