Celtic‘s hopes of competing in the knockout stages of this season’s Europa League are hanging by a thread Celta Vigo struck twice in three second-half minutes to consign the Glasgow side to a third consecutive defeat in the competition.
Martin O’Neill’s men kept the slick Spaniards at bay throughout and even opening period, before taking the lead through a composed Mika Baur finish early in the second half.
Liam Scales came within inches of putting Celtic two goals in front with a looping header which came off the top of the upright.
But the contest was flipped on its head when Javi Rodriguez bulleted home a header from close range on 68 minutes from a Hugo Alvarez set-piece, before the defender grabbed his second in quick succession with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
The result leaves Celtic without a point from their first three fixtures and sitting second-bottom of the 36-team table with five matches to play.
Here, Kevin McKenna runs the rule over the home side on what was another miserable European night…
Celtic are facing an uphill battle to progress in the Europa League after a third defeat
CELTIC (4-3-3)
SAM JOHNSTONE — 5.5
Will be disappointed not to keep out the equaliser after getting a hand to Rodriguez’s header. Had no chance with the second.
COLBY DONOVAN — 5
Started confidently but appeared to tire as the game wore on. Just couldn’t get to grips with the pace of Swedberg in the final stages.
DANE MURRAY — 6
Made a number of terrific blocks to deny the visitors from range and looked fairly solid, before allowing Rodriguez to steal a yard to level.
LIAM SCALES — 6
Caught too high up the park on a couple of occasions as Celta exploited the gaps. Unlucky to see a header hit the upright.
KIERAN TIERNEY — 6
Put in several dangerous crosses from the left-hand side without getting his rewards. Kept Iago Aspas relatively quiet.
Midfielder Mika Baur got Celtic off to a dream start in the second half with a well-taken volley
CALLUM MCGREGOR — 5
Oddly subdued performance from the skipper, who struggled to have any impact. Dreadful clearance led to the visitors’ winner.
MIKA BAUR — 8
Capped a fine performance in the middle with a brilliantly taken volley to put Celtic in front. Tried to play forward at every opportunity.
BENJAMIN NYGREN — 6
Grew into the contest after the first half hour largely passed him by. Saw powerful strike blocked by Radu from a tight angle.
HAISSEM HASSAN — 6
Delivery hit-and-miss all night, but did produce one moment of quality to set up Baur. Guilty of switching off at the other end at times.
CALLUM OSMAND — 7
The home side’s biggest threat in the opening period, although should have done better with a curling effort from 20 yards.
CAMILO DURAN — 6
Left chasing a lot of lost causes but stuck to his task well and put himself about. Barely got a sniff inside the Celta box.
Celta Vigo defender Javi Rodriguez struck twice in three minutes to secure the victory
SUBSTITUTES: Forrest (Osmand 58), Hogh (Hassan 72), Sorenson (Baur 79), Tounekti (Duran 79).
MARTIN O’NEILL — 5
Cut a frustrated figure on the touchline his side threw their lead away. Europa League progression already looks a long shot.
CELTA VIGO (3-4-3): Radu 6; Rodriguez 8, Cacares 6, Alonso 6; Rueda 6.5 (Antanon 85), Febas 6.5, Burcio 6 (Moroba 63), Carreira 7; Iago Aspas 6 (Swedberg 63), Jutgla 6 (Duran 77), Alvarez 6 (Galan 85).
REFEREE: Georgi Kabakov (BUL).
