Ten-man Celtic kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Ajax in the Amsterdam ArenA this evening.
Nir 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.
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 side after the opening goal, but the Bhoys' defence held firm under sustained pressure.
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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 Viktor 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 Mikael Lustig met Commons's corner to power a header home.
Joel Veltman went close after the restart with a header that spun just wide of the post before Griffiths rustled the side-netting with another well-struck effort on the hour mark.
Griffiths sent another strike at goal, but Cillessen did well to hold the effort as the Scots pressed to extend their advantage.
Celtic were reduced to 10 men on 69 minutes when Emilio Izaguirre was given a second booking for a sliding challenge on Nemanja Gudelj.
The home side tried to make their numerical advantage count and Davy Klaassen headed just wide as they pressed for another equaliser.
Ajax made their pressure tell with two minutes of normal time remaining through Lasse Schone.
Paul Gorst
