Continental Drift

Ryan Christie reckons the Celts are veering towards a higher European recognition

- Tony Connelly

THRIVING under pressure has been one of the main takeaways from Celtic’s opening game in the UEFA Europa League Group Stages. Ryan Christie’s performance in the 1-1 draw with Rennes epitomised that mentality which is flowing through the entire team, and he believes the benefits of that will show as Celtic’s European campaign unfolds.

Celtic’s first game in Group E of the Europa League saw the Scottish champions travel to the Brittany capital to face high flying Ligue 1 side, Rennes. The French side had, like Celtic, progressed to the last 16 of the competition last season and their second-place position in the French top table gives a clear indication of their current form.

Neil Lennon’s side were eager to get off to a good start in the group, but to do that they would have to get past a Rennes team in their own stadium where Paris Saint-Germain had fallen to defeat just a month prior. In addition to their form, Rennes clearly had significant spending power, having paid a reported £19m for Brazilian winger Raphinha in the summer.

None of that intimidated Celtic, however, and why should it have? The Treble Treble champions have reached the last 16 of the Europa League for the last two seasons and finished above Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the group stages last year.

Celtic were well aware of the threat their opponents posed, but from kick-off it was clear that Neil Lennon had instilled a game-plan and belief that would allow his side to show their qualities on the European stage.

Ryan Christie admitted matching Rennes was no easy undertaking, but reflecting on the performance, he said that he and his team-mates were disappointed not to have taken the three points they deserved.