UEFA Youth League
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
The City Stadium, Glasgow

CELTIC… 1
(Carse 90+1)

LAZIO… 1
(Fernandes 40)

Celtic FC B sealed their first point in the UEFA Youth League this afternoon (Wednesday) after scoring late on to secure a 1-1 draw against Lazio.

After the visitors opened the scoring just before the break, the Hoops continued to battle and fought back to draw following Mackenzie Carse’s stoppage-time strike from the penalty spot.

Throughout the 90 minutes, it remained an even match-up, with both teams looking to grab their first point of the group stages.

In the opening exchanges, the two sides were aiming to cause trouble down either wing, with Bruno Davidson finding plenty of space on the right.

The 19-year-old sent several crosses into the box, with his best coming within inches of finding Daniel Cummings at the back post, but he just couldn’t latch on to the low cross.

The Italian side were also causing trouble down the left flank through danger man Sana Fernandes, who proved to be a thorn in Celtic’s side during the first half.

Although the visitors enjoyed a decent spell of possession early on, the Hoops did well to regain control as they looked to build up from midfield.

Arguably one of Celtic’s best openings almost came just before the break as Rocco Vata hit on the counter. He attempted to find Kyle Ure with a clever pass, which would have sent the midfielder through one-on-one, but his through ball was cut out by the Lazio defence.

As the first half entered the closing stages, it was the away side who grabbed the opening goal of the game.

After causing plenty of trouble down the left, Fernandes was the man to score the all-important first goal just before half-time, producing a tidy finish into the bottom corner.

Heading into the second half, the Hoops refused to let the visitors control proceedings, and the Bhoys almost levelled up the scoring at the beginning of the half.

Holding the ball up well, Cummings looked to lay the ball into the path of Ure on the edge, but the midfielder could only blast over.

Neither goalkeeper really had much to do in the second half, with Celtic keeper, Kai McLean making a few comfortable saves from range.

The Hoops were also attempting to get themselves back into the game through a number of set-pieces, but the away side were doing well to clear the ball to safety.

As the contest entered stoppage time, with six minutes added, Celtic finally found a way to goal. After showing good persistence to win the ball back high up the pitch, Bruno Davidson nipped in front of his marker before being brought down inside the area.

A penalty was awarded and up stepped captain Mackenzie Carse, who emphatically stuck the ball into the top right-hand corner, giving the Lazio goalkeeper no chance, and ensure the Hoops enjoyed a share of the spoils.

The Bhoys are quickly back in action as they look to build on this performance when they take on East Stirlingshire on Friday evening.

CELTIC: McLean, Bonetig (Mackenzie 75), Frame, Agbaire, Robertson, Ure (Quinn 75), Carse, Kelly, Davidson, Vata (McArdle 83), Cummings (Dobbie 63).
Subs: Meikle, Thomson, Bonnar

Celts spot-on to earn a point against Lazio in UEFA Youth League clash