Just when it started to feel like one of those nights, Celtic found a way to win. After losing two key players to injury and falling behind to a stunning strike in the early stages, Brendan Rodgers’ beleaguered side needed all of their character to pull off a first win of their Europa League campaign.
After losing Kelechi Iheanacho to injury after just a couple of minutes, the Bhoys fell behind to Tomi Horvath’s long-range rocket on the quarter-of-an-hour mark.
Alistair Johnston, returning from a hamstring problem, then looked to reaggravate the issue and was also forced off.
Celtic ended the first half strongly but continued to miss chance after chance before eventually turning the game around in a three-minute spell.
Liam Scales produced a neat finish from a short corner on 61 minutes to level the scores, then Benjamin Nygren headed in from Arne Engels’ delivery shortly after to put Rodgers’ side on top.
They had further chances to kill the game, especially after a red card for Graz midfielder Tochi Chukwuani. They couldn’t stretch their lead, but still saw the game out in relative comfort.
Here, Ryan Gallacher runs the rule over the Celtic side that ground out a vital win…
Scales celebrates after his equaliser gave Celtic the breakthrough they desperately needed
Nygren gets his head to Engels’ corner to complete the turnaround and put his side in front
Tomi Horvat fires home a stunning long-range opener to give the visitors the lead
CELTIC (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel 6
Quick distribution got his side going on a few occasions. Had no chance with wonder goal and a quiet night otherwise.
Alistair Johnston 5
Looked sharp on brief return from injury. Was a threat going forward before hamstring problem reared its head again.
Cameron Carter-Vickers 6
Normally so assured, he looked hesitant at times here but helped his side over the line. Yellow carded for a daft challenge.
Liam Scales 7
Perhaps fortunate when beaten in the air at a corner. Some good forward passes though and his tidy finish changed the game.
Kieran Tierney 8
Given license to roam down the left and looked much more like his old self. Would have had an assist or two on another night.
Johnston is devastated after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring issue on his return
Rodgers saw his side come from behind to dig out a vital European win
Callum McGregor 7.5
Tried to set the tone in early challenges and helped settle side down after going behind. A night when his experience was key.
Reo Hatate 6.5
Dangerous runs from midfield helped build momentum. Had the odd moment of sloppiness but he covered every blade of grass.
Arne Engels 7
Lost runners in his box a couple of times in first half. Deliveries were always a threat and played key part in both goals.
Benjamin Nygren 8
Never gave up despite missing a succession of chances. Quick thinking led to equaliser and his header proved to be the winner.
Kelechi Iheanacho 2
Lasted just two minutes before getting injured. Replaced by the lively Kenny, who went close on a number of occasions.
Sebastian Tounekti 7.5
Main dangerman linked up well with Tierney on the left. Unlucky a jinking first-half run and cross wasn’t converted by Kenny.
A dejected Iheanacho makes way after suffering an early injury against Sturm Graz
SUBSTITUTES
Kenny (Iheanacho 4); Donovan (Johnston 26); Balikwisha (Tounekti 78). Not used: Sinisalo, Trusty, Yang, McCowan, Bernardo, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Ralston.
Brendan Rodgers 8
Had the ‘Honda Civic’ fired up for this one. Adjusted well to early blows and his men showed character to take deserved win.
STURM GRAZ (4-3-2-1)
Bignetti; Oermann (Mitchell 46), Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic; Gorenc Stankovic, Chukwuani; Horvat (Kayombo 82), Kiteishvili (Grgic 78), Rozga (Hodl 59); Malone (Jatta 59). Booked: Gorenc Stankovic. Sent off: Chukwuani.
