Celtic's Europa League hopes hanging by a thread after Celta Vigo comeback
Javi Rodriguez scored twice in three minutes to cancel out Mika Baur's opener, leaving Martin O'Neill's side without a point after three group games.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill. File photo. · Photograph: Jonesy702 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Celtic's Europa League campaign is in serious trouble after Celta Vigo came from behind to win 2-1 at Celtic Park on Thursday night.
It was Celtic's third defeat in three European matches, following losses to Ferencvaros and Benfica, and leaves Martin O'Neill's side with no points and little margin for error.
How the game unfolded
The Spanish side had more of the ball in the first half without creating much. Ferran Jutgla fired one effort just wide and forced a smart save from Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone shortly before the break.
Celtic fans called for a penalty when Callum Osmand went down under a push from Javi Rueda on the edge of the box, but replays suggested the contact was just outside the area and the referee waved play on.
Celtic had offered little in attack, but barely a minute into the second half they went ahead. Haissem Hassan got past former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso and crossed, the ball was only half-cleared, and Mika Baur swept a low side-foot finish past goalkeeper Ionut Radu.
Liam Scales then headed against the crossbar, but Celta turned the game around with two goals in three minutes. Javi Rodriguez met a superb free-kick with a powerful header to equalise, then hit a rocket from 20 yards past Johnstone for the winner.
Reaction
The result came just days after Celtic's 7-1 thrashing of Hearts in the Scottish Premiership had raised hopes among supporters. O'Neill pointed to marginal moments going against his side, but the defeat has renewed questions about whether the team is good enough at European level.
Celtic now face a battle to stay in the competition with five group games remaining.