Celtic may have been knocked out of the Europa League, but two of their players are still making an impact in the competition. Josip Juranovic and Liel Abada both played key roles in helping their loan clubs secure wins in the round of 32 on Thursday night.
Juranovic scores stunning free-kick for Union Berlin
The Croatian right-back, who joined Celtic from Legia Warsaw in the summer, was loaned out to Union Berlin in January after struggling to break into the Hoops’ first team. He has quickly established himself as a regular starter for the Bundesliga side, and showed his quality with a superb free-kick in their 3-2 win over Napoli.
Juranovic curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner from 25 yards out, leaving Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina helpless. It was his first goal for Union Berlin, and gave them a 2-1 lead in the 54th minute. He also provided an assist for Taiwo Awoniyi’s opener in the 18th minute, with a pinpoint cross from the right flank.
The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes, and was praised by his manager Urs Fischer for his performance. “He was very good today, not only because of his goal and assist. He defended well, he was always available, he was very calm on the ball. He showed his quality and his experience,” Fischer said.
Juranovic will hope to continue his impressive form in the second leg at the San Paolo next week, as Union Berlin aim to reach the last 16 of the Europa League for the first time in their history.
Abada scores and assists for Maccabi Haifa
The Israeli winger, who joined Celtic from Maccabi Petah Tikva in July, was loaned back to his homeland in January, joining Maccabi Haifa until the end of the season. He has been a revelation for the Israeli champions, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 11 games in all competitions.
Abada was instrumental in Maccabi Haifa’s 4-1 win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam, scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute with a clinical finish from inside the box. He also set up the third goal for Nikita Rukavytsya in the 67th minute, with a clever pass that split the Feyenoord defence.
The 20-year-old played 77 minutes, and was named the man of the match by the Israeli media. He received a standing ovation from the travelling fans, who chanted his name throughout the game. He also earned the praise of his coach Barak Bakhar, who said: “He is a very talented player, he has a lot of potential. He is always looking to create chances, to score goals, to help the team. He is a joy to watch.”
Abada will look to maintain his form in the second leg at the Sammy Ofer Stadium next week, as Maccabi Haifa aim to pull off a historic upset and eliminate the Dutch giants from the Europa League.
Celtic fans react to Juranovic and Abada’s displays
Celtic fans were delighted to see Juranovic and Abada shine in the Europa League, and expressed their hopes of seeing them back at Parkhead next season. Many took to social media to share their views, and here are some of the reactions:
- “Juranovic and Abada both scoring in the Europa League tonight. Celtic have some quality players out on loan, hopefully they come back stronger and ready to fight for their place.”
- “What a goal by Juranovic! He deserves a chance at Celtic, he is a quality right-back. Ralston is decent, but Juranovic is a level above. Hope he comes back in the summer and proves himself.”
- “Abada is a star in the making. He was brilliant for us in the first half of the season, and he is tearing it up for Maccabi Haifa. He has pace, skill, vision, and a killer instinct. He will be a huge asset for us next season.”
- “I’m happy for Juranovic and Abada, they are both doing well in the Europa League. They are both Celtic players, and I hope they come back and play a big part for us next season. They have the quality and the attitude to succeed at Celtic.”
