SLICK CELTS ED TO TOP
CELTIC 2 CLUJ 0
Odsonne Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi strike as Hoops beat Cluj to top their Europa League group
NEIL LENNON last night tipped Celtic to light up this season’s Europa League after watching them storm to the top of Group E with a revenge-mission win over Cluj.
Lennon was left purring after goals from Odsonne Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi sealed victory over the side that had sent Scotland’s flag bearers crashing out of the Champions
League qualifiers in August. The victory leaves his side in pole position as they head into a double header with Lazio that could make or break their hopes of securing a place in the knockout stages.
And after watching the composed manner in which his players coped with Cluj, Lennon was struggling to contain his excitement about what lies ahead.
He said: “It was very exciting tonight. It’s great to be back as a manager on that stage at Celtic Park.
“We wanted a strong performance from the team and I got more than that. We were outstanding.
“My only disappointment is that we didn’t win by more. They are functioning as a team, there is a real solidity about us and fluidity going forward.
“We looked really strong and thoroughly deserved the win. There were some outstanding individual performances and from one to 11 we were excellent against a very good side.
“So I’m getting great performances from the team. There is more to come. I said to the players tonight that we have the makings of a good side.
“It’s embryonic in the season and I’m not getting carried away. But I’m thrilled and delighted for the supporters as well to have European football back here and a good performance.
“We are top of the group and it’s a great start. It’s early, the group is still open, it’s tight. Cluj and Lazio both have three points and you can’t write Rennes off.
“But the performances I’ve had in the first two games have given us a lot of food for thought in a positive way.
“I am enjoying working with the team. There are going to be dips here and there but the start they’ve made and the way they’ve kicked on from the first Cluj game has given me a lot of things to think about in positive way.”
Cluj boss Dan Petrescu immediately tipped Celtic and Lazio to qualify for the last 32 following last night’s results that also saw the Serie A side take three points from Rennes.
But Lennon smiled and said: “Well he would say that wouldn’t he? I’ve learned to take what Dan says with a pinch of salt.
“Anyone could win it, we’re only two games in. It’s still wide open. We have to go to Lazio and that’s going to be very difficult but we’ve given ourselves a foothold in the group.”
Lennon’s side stormed into an early when Edouard headed the opener just 20 minutes into the first half.
Although it became a bit nervous until Elyounoussi doubled the lead, Scotland’s champions ran out comfortable winners.
Asked if he is already anticipating back-to-back showdowns with Lazio, Lennon said: “Very much so. It’s great. We will all look forward to it.
“We have a big game on Sunday (at Livingston) and then the international break but our form has been absolutely excellent so far, without getting carried away.”
Petrescu said: “We know Celtic are a very good team as we played here before. It’s very difficult to win as they’ve only lost here one time all season and that was against us.
“But I am happy with my team because they gave everything. Celtic have better players but we cannot win two times here.
“Celtic and Lazio are the big favourites in this group. Normally they should go through but in football there are some surprises.”