Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; Score808 Live provides the summary and editorial framing.
Celtic Europa League Campaign Hits New Low
Celtic Europa League hopes took another blow as Celta Vigo came from behind to inflict a third straight defeat in the competition. The Hoops are now one of four clubs in the 36-team table yet to register any points. After an emphatic 7-1 win against Hearts, Celtic again struggled to take their domestic dominance into European competition.
The Celtic fans were screaming for a penalty midway through the first half when Callum Osmond went down from a push by Javi Rueda. The contact was just outside the box, and the referee decided not to award a free-kick. Camilo Duran was booked for his protests.
Earlier, Colby Donovan was well placed to clear Javi Rueda's cross as Celta looked to open the scoring. Mika Baur then stopped Iago Aspas' effort at the other end. Osmand sent a chance well over the bar after Duran failed to get his shot away, and Sam Johnstone denied Ferran Jutgla with half-time approaching.
Mika Baur did give Celtic the lead just after the break, sweeping home a deflected cross from Haissem Hassan. Liam Scales then hit the crossbar as the home side pressed for a second. But Celta Vigo hit back with a quick double that stunned Celtic Park.
Celta Vigo's Three-Minute Blitz
Javi Rodriguez scored twice in three minutes to turn the match. First he met a free-kick with a header that Sam Johnstone could not save. Then, after Celtic failed to clear the danger, Rodriguez fired an unstoppable drive from outside the box.
Sky Sports' Luke Shanley was watching at Celtic Park. He said Celta were worth their win: "The stats don't lie and they had many more chances than Celtic." Shanley added that the home side were ahead but will be annoyed at not seeing it out. "Losing two goals in the space of three minutes was a hammer blow."
Shanley also noted that Martin O'Neill might not be happy with the award of the free-kick that led to the equaliser, but ultimately Celtic needed to defend it better. Celta's Aleix Febas had earlier met Sergio Carreira's low cross only to send it past the post. Late on, Forrest set up Donovan, but his effort lacked power and was easily saved.
What the Result Means for Celtic
Celtic have now lost four European games in a row. The frustration, or the worry, is that Celtic are not competing enough at this level and cannot bridge the gap after winning 7-1 at the weekend in the Scottish Premiership against Hearts. Their Europa League campaign is all but over, but their misery in Europe might not be.
Domestically, Celtic remain four points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership. That cushion offers some comfort, but the European record is a stark contrast to their league form. The Hoops have yet to earn a point in the 36-team Europa League table.
Next Fixture: Hibernian vs Celtic
Celtic face Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday, with kick-off at 12pm, live on Sky Sports. The match offers a chance to respond domestically. But the European questions will linger.
This report is based on the original coverage by skysports.com.
