This was yet another blow to Celtic manager Martin O’Neill. After his team’s incredibly sad loss to Midtjylland in the Europa League. The game played out in front of a packed stadium in Denmark. The disappointment Celtic were further haunted as they recorded their eighth straight loss to Danish clubs in European competitions. O’Neill only had to make two changes to the match-day squad. They’d only recently celebrated victory against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi final just days earlier.
Even though many predicted it would be an extremely tough game, Celtic seemed to prove the naysayers wrong early on. A catastrophic first period where they gave up three goals essentially doomed them. The heavy loss has Celtic rooted to the bottom of the Europa League standings, with just four games left in the group stage.
Disappointing First Half Performance
Celtic came into the fixture against Midtjylland looking to ride the momentum of their MLS Cup victory. What O’Neill did strategically was by subbing on Marcelo Saracchi and Daizen Maeda. He introduced left-back Kieran Tierney and winger James Forrest to the action to replenish the squad with new vigor.
Celtic nonetheless started the first 30 minutes looking very much the equal of Real. O’Neill expressed that the team was “well in the game with half-an-hour gone with no score.” Unfortunately, everything changed rapidly when Martin Erlic scored with a header in the 33rd minute, igniting a barrage of goals from the home side.
Only 100 seconds later, Mikel Gogorza did the same in even more spectacular fashion, making things look even grimmer for Celtic. Dju completed his hat-trick in the 41st minute. The Celtic players were noticeably disheartened as they filed into the locker room for intermission.
“It was a tough old evening. We expected it to be tough but we were well in the game with half-an-hour gone with no score. But then we conceded two goals within a minute and then a third within seven minutes, so that naturally turns the game.” – Martin O’Neill
A Glimmer of Hope in the Second Half
The second half was a perfect opportunity for Celtic to come out and find some character. Substitute Reo Hatate did pull one back with an 81st-minute spot-kick, sending the home crowd into euphoric celebration and giving the Scottish side a glimmer of hope. The spot kick resulted after 19-years-old second half substitute Callum Osmand was brought down in the box.
While the goal was too late to make a difference to the match result, it was a great reflection of the Celtic determination. Absent the shambles, there was character and determination from the players, an uplifting note at a time when all else had been pessimism.
“We showed a lot of resilience in the second half to keep at it because the team could’ve gone under at that stage, but they showed a bit of character which was lovely to see.” – Martin O’Neill
Continued Struggles in European Competitions
This loss continues a harrowing trend for Celtic in European play. The team has now lost all of their last 15 away matches in the knockout stage of major European tournaments. Their failure to achieve significant victories against Danish clubs has led to worries on behalf of supporters and observers.
Celtic faces four more matches in the opening round of Europa League group play. They need to hit the reset button soon in order to save their campaign. It’s up to O’Neill’s side to make sure that their luck changes and the belief returns as they look to build momentum again ahead of matches to come.
Celtic’s loss to Midtjylland knocked them out of contention for a top 24 place. This loss casts serious doubts on their capabilities in European competitions. The road ahead will be tough as these cities look to reestablish themselves and their impact on the international stage.
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