The Hoops played out a draw in their Europa League opener and Bhoys legend Bonner thinks the Parkhead side will be delighted.
Celtic legend Pat Bonner has given his honest verdict on the Hoops’ 1-1 draw away at Rennes in the Europa League on Thursday night, in conversation with BBC Sport.
Ryan Christie’s second-half penalty earned Neil Lennon’s side a point in France in the lively opening Group E match after they had to come from behind.
M’Baye Niang fired the hosts in front from the spot on 37 minutes after Kristoffer Ajer’s lunge brought him down in the box, while just before the hour, James Forrest won Celtic the penalty for Christie to convert.
Indeed, Celtic had a clear shout for a penalty turned down moments earlier when Christie was tripped, and the drama continued into the latter stages of the game as substitute Vakoun Bayo was dismissed in stoppage time for a second booking.
Bonner was impressed with the display, claiming the Hoops could have won it, and name-checked Christie, saying he should have been awarded a penalty, while also commenting on Forrest for his part in winning the spot kick not long after.
“It could have gone either way,” Bonner told BBC Sport after the game. “Celtic could have even won it. They will be delighted – away from home against a good French team.
“I felt Celtic were in control of the second-half. Christie should’ve had a penalty, though Forrest played for the one which was given.”
In the other game of the group, CFR Cluj claimed a shock 2-1 win over Lazio to top the standings, leaving Celtic level with Rennes ahead of the Romanian champions coming to Parkhead in two weeks’ time.
Up next for the Bhoys is Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Celtic Park, 1pm kickoff.
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