Celtic‘s European misery continued on Thursday night as Celta Vigo turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win, leaving the Scottish champions 35th of 36 teams in the Europa League after three defeats from three. Manager Martin O’Neill blamed marginal moments and refereeing decisions — but pundits are asking whether Celtic are simply not good enough at this level.
Image credit: Celtic players (Credits: BBC)
Celtic Celta Vigo 2-1: Baur Strike Wasted as Rodriguez Hits Two in Three Minutes
Celtic took the lead on 47 minutes when Mika Baur swept them in front, and they looked comfortable enough that a Liam Scales header flicked the top of the bar at 1-0. But they retreated into their shells and were punished ruthlessly as Javi Rodriguez struck twice in three minutes to complete the turnaround.
That came just days after a 7-1 demolition of Hearts had raised hopes that O’Neill’s side had turned a corner. Instead, the gulf between their domestic dominance and European frailty was exposed again — they have now lost their last four European matches, conceding 14 goals.
Is Celtic Good Enough for Europe? McFadden and Bonner Say No
O’Neill pointed to a free-kick not given before Celta’s equaliser and insisted that “if Scales’ header goes in to make it 2-0, we get the three points.” But former Scotland attacker James McFadden was blunt: “The performances at this level haven’t been good enough. Celtic are way short.”
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner added: “I don’t think Celtic are good enough, individually and collectively, to take on a team that’s eighth in La Liga.”
Celtic’s next European outing comes on November 5, when they host Besiktas — a near must-win if their continental campaign is to be salvaged.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.