Half-Time Report: Celtic in front at Ajax

Goals from Nir Bitton and Mikael Lustig have given Celtic a 2-1 half-time lead over Ajax at the Amsterdam ArenA in the Europa League this evening.

Bitton gave the visitors the lead on eight minutes when he arrowed an effort into the corner after good work from Kris Commons.

The home side responded with a swift attack on 11 minutes, but Craig Gordon was alert to thwart Anwar El Ghazi's run.

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Jozo Simunovic was making his Celtic debut, and it was his timely block that denied Viktor Fischer's strike as the home side searched for parity on 13 minutes.

The Dutch side were certainly the stronger team after the opening goal, but the Bhoys' defence held firm under sustained pressure.

Amin Younes did well to work some space for a shot before the half-hour mark but his shot was comfortably held by Gordon.

However, Celtic's goal was finally breached on 25 minutes, when Fischer levelled up with a smart finish after a slick build-up from the Eredivisie side.

Leigh Griffiths forced a good save from Ajax keeper Jasper Cillessen towards the end of the half with a fierce left-footed effort.

Ronny Deila's side had the advantage once again with three minutes of normal time remaining when Lustig met Commons's corner to power a header home.