Celtic instant analysis as late Lazio sickener stuns Rodgers

With the scores locked at 1-1, Honduran winger Luis Palma hammered the ball into the net but VAR intervened after the ball brushed off Daizen Maeda's shin. It was tough on Brendan Rodgers' side who deserved more for a monumental effort in which they were the better side for long spells.

Kyogo Furuhashi got Celtic off to a flying start when he opened the scoring in 12 minutes with his first-ever goal in the Champions League group stage. It was a thing of beauty. Kyogo's compatriot Daizen Maeda played the ball to Matt O'Riley whose exquisite pass sent the attacker scampering clear and he drove the ball through Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel's legs to put the Scottish champions 1-0 up.

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The joy was short-lived though as Matias Vecino levelled things up just 17 minutes later after Celtic failed to clear their lines and the Uruguayan bundled a header home despite a valiant effort from Joe Hart to keep it out. TV replays showed that the ball had definitely crossed the line.

Celtic were in control for long spells and looked the more likely to score either side of the interval.

O'Riley stung Provedel's hands with a low drive which he held onto and Reo Hatate forced a fine diving save before Alistair Johnston blasted over.

There was late drama when Palma rammed home but the celebrations were cut short after a VAR check and just as Celtic thought they had to settle for taking their first point in Group E there was further heartbreak to come when Pedro stunned Paradise with his late, late show.

Killer Kyogo is finally off the mark

The Japanese talisman has waited all of eight games to break his goalscoring duck in the Champions League group stage and it was well worth the wait. Kyogo finally got off the mark when he bagged the opening goal after just 12 minutes. It was a magnificent three-man move as Maeda cut inside and fed O'Riley whose sumptuous first-time pass released Kyogo who produced a cool and composed finish as he calmly slid the ball through the legs of Ivan Provedel. The movement of Kyogo allied to the wonderful weight of O'Riley's pass was sheer poetry in motion as the attacker handed Celtic the perfect start and showed that he could hit the back of the net in exalted company. Despite only touching the ball 14 times in the opening period the striker buzzed around and his running caused the Lazio backline no end of problems all evening.

Tony Haggerty

Mixed night for midfield two

It is clear that Celtic value Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley very highly, given extended deals were awarded to both players last week. The latter was the hero just four days ago, scoring the winner against Motherwell, whilst Hatate has proved himself countless times since his move to the club last year. Tonight was always going to be a step up in opposition and quality for both, with Lazio clearly well-drilled as to identifying who the creators were in Rodgers’ side. In the first half, both players struggled to get into proceedings, with McGregor running the show for the home side in the middle of the park. Whenever the ball came near either of the two, Lazio were quick to get two or three men around them. A tremendous show of respect to each player’s quality, yes, but unhelpful with regard to Celtic’s situation in the game. If the team - and the two players in question - are to improve on this stage - then the star players have to step up their game. In the second half, both did try to get more involved in the game, with O’Riley finding more space to operate. Hatate was replaced by Paulo Bernardo midway through, in what was not his best performance since arriving in Glasgow.

Ryan McGinlay

Sensational Liam Scales

Liam Scales started his first game in the Champions League at Celtic Park and was excellent all evening. The Irishman once again proved why he is a mainstay in the Celtic defence. He is starting regularly on merit and he was in no mood to take any prisoners. He rattled Brazilian Felipe Anderson with a bone-thudding challenge early doors which nearly brought the house down in Glasgow's east end. He was certainly not afraid to show that he belonged in such esteemed company and got wired in. The centre-back played like a man possessed and was a colossus at the heart of the home defence. Whilst there were times he showed that he was absolutely solid and hard as nails he did cause his own teammates problems on occasion with some wayward passing that failed to find their intended target. Such lapses in concentration will eventually get punished at this elite level but Scales can be mightily proud of his contribution and efforts and it must surely be a matter of time before he fulfils his dream and destiny of representing the full Republic of Ireland international team. It was another massive step in Scales continued development and he is proving to be a player that Brendan Rodgers can rely on.

Tony Haggerty

More troubles for Taylor

We have been singing the praises regarding the left-back over the last couple of weeks on the website, following a return to form against both Livingston and Motherwell respectively. Rightly so, following a poor start to proceedings domestically. However, tonight displayed the limitations in the Scottish international’s game, in what was a poor display from the defender. It was clear from the start that Lazio was targeting Taylor’s lack of height and physical presence, and was trying to profit in that area. Dispossessed a number of times, the left-back looked shaky all evening, unfortunately. All throughout the summer, fans and critics alike bemoaned the lack of left-back rumours and speculation, especially with the on and off-field issues of Alexandro Bernabei. It was clear that Celtic needed reinforcements in this area, yet no one was brought in. In a game that was on a knife-edge, these positions can prove key in the fate of proceedings. Thankfully he never cost Celtic on the night, but perhaps a more attacking outlet on that side in the future - or more imposing - may prove a game-changer.

Ryan McGinlay

Luis Palma robbed of glory

The Honduran winger thought he had made it two goals in two matches for Celtic as he was robbed of a goal by VAR. The ball took the slightest of nicks off Maeda's shin thus rendering Palma offside as he slammed home what he thought was going to be deemed the winner after 81 minutes. Having opened his account at Fir Park during last weekend's 2-1 win over Motherwell, Palma looked to have repeated the trick when he rattled home a fine low strike. He earned a booking for taking his jersey off and the caution still stands despite the goal being ruled out. Celtic produced a Champions League performance on the night and Palma did his burgeoning reputation no harm at all with a fine display after he replaced Yang Hyun-Jun on 62 minutes. Palma and Celtic certainly deserved more on the night.

Tony Haggerty