Celtic got back on track to some extent as they overcame Lille 3-2 at home on Thursday. The home side led through Christopher Jullien’s header, and while they were pegged back by Jonathan Ikone, Callum McGregor swiftly restored their advantage. Lille hit back through Timo Weah in the second half but the hosts got the win through David Turnbull.

Lille had more to play for from the outset but showed that they were happy merely to progress as they changed their side significantly. Notably left Renato Sanches and Burak Yilmaz on the bench for the duration.

It was the visitors’ rearguard that proved their weak link. It was very inexperienced and was punished by a Celtic side that was slicker than in recent matches.

Jullien probably should not have been marked by Tiago Djalo for the opening goal while Domagoj Bradaric was guilty of a silly lunge for the second.

Celtic were not without reproach as they conceded the opener softly following a Callum McGregor mistake, but they looked more energetic than in recent times, with Turnbull deservedly getting the winner after a fine individual display.

While Lille raised the tempo to try to get back into the game, it was notable that they did not use their big guns in the closing stages.

Lille could pay for the loss in the new year as they will not be seeded for the last-32 draw, but their priority remains Ligue 1, in which they are pushing for a top-three spot in a highly competitive division. Celtic, meanwhile, will look to use this result as a platform to bounce back after recent wretched displays. Their fringe men gave manager Neil Lennon food for thought.