Soccer

Ryan Christie’s penalty earns Celtic a point in Brittany

Round-up: Sheyi Ojo’s moment of magic seals win for Rangers; Wolves’ woes continue at home to Braga

Celtic manager Neil Lennon congratulates his players at the end of the Europa League Group E match against Rennes at Roazhon Park stadium. Photograph: Sebastien Salom-Gomis/AFP/Getty Images

Thu Sep 19 2019 - 22:17

Ryan Christie’s second-half penalty earned Celtic a 1-1 draw with Rennes in their opening Europa League group game in France after they held on with 10 men in a frantic finale.

The Scottish champions fell behind to a spot-kick from M’Baye Niang in the 37th minute after some rash defending from Kristoffer Ajer.

Celtic had a strong claim of their own rejected before James Forrest was fouled in the box and Christie converted in the 59th minute.

Neil Lennon’s side showed plenty of attacking intent and were well worth their point in Brittany but they had to survive a man down after late substitute Vakoun Bayo received two yellow cards in quick succession.

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Sheyi Ojo produced a moment of magic as Rangers beat Feyenoord 1-0 in a pulsating Group G opener at Ibrox.

The death of the Gers’ former captain Fernando Ricksen on Wednesday at the age of 43 following a six-year battle with motor neurone disease made it an emotional night in Govan.

The Light Blues evoked the spirit of the Dutchman against the side from the Netherlands and after skipper James Tavernier had struck the outside of the post with a penalty, Ojo fired in a glorious drive from 20 yards in the 24th minute for what proved to be the winner.

The Rotterdam side threatened in a more even second half and might have snatched a point although the home side had chances to score more.

Ricardo Horta struck to earn Braga victory as Wolves' European dream was given a wake-up call.

Forward Horta bagged his fifth goal of the season to snatch a 1-0 opening win in the Group K clash at Molineux.

Patrick Cutrone and Leander Dendoncker went close for the hosts – who dominated for long spells – but their season continues to stutter.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side won all their qualifying games to reach the group stage, including an impressive 5-3 aggregate victory over Torino, but are winless in the Premier League.

They go to Crystal Palace on Sunday with questions already being raised about their ability to cope in Europe and domestically.

Italian giants Lazio suffered an embarrassing defeat at CFR Cluj in their opening game in Group E.

Simone Inzaghi’s men grabbed a 25th-minute lead in Romania through Angolan defender Bastos, but their sluggish start to the new season continued as the hosts hit back.

Ciprian Ioan equalised from the penalty spot four minutes before the break and Billel Omrani won it in bizarre fashion in the 75th minute when he nodded home at the second attempt after his initial effort struck the bar.

Goals from Donyeli Malen, Timo Baumgartl and a Seb Coates own goal gave PSV a 3-2 Group D win over Sporting Lisbon, who replied through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and Pedro Mendes.

Sevilla were 3-0 winners at Qarabag, with second-half goals from Javier Hernandez, Munir and Oliver Torres, while Angel scored the only goal of the game in the 18th minute as Getafe beat Trabzonspor in Group C.

Luxembourg minnows F91 Dudelange continued their remarkable Europa League run with a 4-3 win over Apoel in Nicosia, Danel Sinani grabbing their winner eight minutes from time.

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