Bologna 2-2 Celtic: UEFA Europa League result as Bologna come from two goals down to draw with 10-man Celtic to keep qualification hopes alive

Bologna came from two goals down against 10-man Celtic to draw 2-2 as both teams kept their UEFA Europa League knockout qualification hopes alive.

Celtic, who entered the game in the final play-off spot for the next round, raced into a shock early lead when Daizen Maeda pounced on an error from Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski before setting up Reo Hatate for an easy finish.

But midway through the first half, Celtic were reduced to 10 men after Hatate was shown two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.

Celtic, though, extended their lead five minutes before half-time through defender Auston Trusty, who tapped home from a corner.

But in a second half dominated by Bologna, goals from Thijs Dallinga and Jonathan Rowe brought the home side level.

Celtic now know a win against Utrecht next Thursday would likely book their spot in the knockouts.

Former Celtic manager and TNT Sports pundit Neil Lennon praised the spirit of Celtic's players following the 2-2 draw with Bologna, highlighting the "brilliant character" they showed.

"They were backs to the wall for long periods in the second half and they answered a lot of questions for me tonight," Lennon said. "I’ve questioned whether they’re resolute enough, will they put their bodies on the line?

"Well, they certainly did tonight and you can see what it means to them. We’ve seen another aspect of the game tonight which maybe they’ve not shown at times but maybe that’s come from the manager, maybe that’s come from the coaches behind.

"But they had to really dig deep and they’ve come away with a fantastic point. They had to defend so many shots, so many crosses. So to come away with a point against a really good side in Italy, you’d have taken that before the game."

After 90 minutes of breathless football, Bologna and Celtic have to settle for a share of the spoils.

Despite letting a two-goal lead slip, it's an important point for Celtic who cling onto their play-off spot for the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League with just one match remaining.

For Bologna, they move to a point off the automatic qualification spots for the round of 16, currently sitting 13th in the league phase table.

There are just seconds left and the scores are still level.

Can either team find a late winner?

There will be FIVE minutes of additional time here.

Auston Trusty has been a man mountain today at the heart of the Celtic defence.

Not only has he scored, but the American has headed, blocked and cleared everything he can today.

He's currently down on the pitch after another block.

It's set up to be a massive end to the game for Celtic with the scores level and down to 10 men.

Remember, they occupied the last play-off spot before kick-off.

Despite having let a two-goal slip, it's Celtic who are on the front foot.

It's one of the subs who has the chance with Kenny having a shot at a tight angle but Skorupski is equal to his effort.

After over 40 minutes of playing with 10 men, Bologna have their equaliser -- and how!

Jonathan Rowe cuts in from the right and smashes a powerful shot from the edge of the box to draw the home side level.

It's a gut-punch for Celtic who have defended resolutely, but now they'll have to go on the front foot.

The home side are on top here, as expected, playing with an extra man. They're dominating possession and sending plenty of crosses into the Celtic box.

So far, the Celtic defenders are getting the first head to every cross as they stave off every Bologna attack.

These next 30 minutes are going to be pivotal for Celtic and TNT Sports pundit Joe Hart thinks his former team are fairing well despite being a man down.

"They're doing ok, but its not ideal. I think Reo Hatate will be watching in dressing room," he said. "He's put his teammates under pressure. It's physically and mentally draining but his teammates have something to hang onto."

After plenty of pressure, Bologna have halved the deficit thanks to a close-range header from Thijs Dallinga.

The Bologna players grab the ball from the back of the net as they look to continue the pressure on the Celtic goal for an equalizer.