Celtic are still to get off the mark in the Europa League after La Liga outfit Celta Vigo came from behind to beat the 2-1.
Under the lights at Celtic Park – the same venue they’d just thrashed Hearts 7-1 – confidence was high for the champions despite losing their previous two league phase encounters to Ferencvaros and Benfica. However, an underwhelming first half display followed as the Spaniards looked comfortable in possession.
Celtic came out with a point to prove after the break and took the lead through midfielder Mika Baur in the 47th minute. The German crashed into the box late in his usual fashion before smashing the ball into the bottom corner. Despite this, Celtic’s lead was short-lived as an unlikely Celta Vigo hero appeared. Central defender Javi Rodriguez scored twice in three minutes to overturn the deficit and win three points for the visitors.
The result now means Celtic sit 35th of 36 in the league phase table as their European nightmare continues. WhoScored cast their eye over the action on Thursday night, here’s how they rated the Celtic starting XI, using their data-driven metrics:
Sam Johnstone – 6.0/10
Couldn’t do anything about either goal. Didn’t make any notable saves either on his first start since his nightmare against Rangers.
Wolves loanee started for the first time in six weeks.placeholder image
Wolves loanee started for the first time in six weeks. | Getty Images
Colby Donovan – 6.7/10
Another assured performance from the young defender, who didn’t look out of place on the European stage.
Dane Murray – 6.5/10
Improving. Body on the line stuff from the central defender who made several key blocks.
Liam Scales – 6.9/10
The leader of the back line led by example. Looked comfortable in possession and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when is second half header hit the bar.
Kieran Tierney – 6.5/10
Another 90 minutes for the full back who bombed up and down the left flank all night in his usual fashion.
Callum McGregor – 6.8/10
Wasn’t allowed to control the tempo as much as the visitors kept the ball – but rarely put a foot wrong in possession.
Mika Baur – 7.4/10
Another goal for the Germany international. His late runs into the box are becoming a trademark already.
Benjamin Nygren – 6.2/10
A quiet night for the Swede who didn’t manage to trouble the scoresheet.
Haissem Hassan – 6.7/10
Tracking back may become an issue for the Egyptian who switched off on a few occasions, although he looked a threat going forward.
Off the ball work is becoming an issue for the winger.placeholder image
Off the ball work is becoming an issue for the winger. | Getty Images
Callum Osmand – 6.6/10
Relentless. The Welshman ran at the Celta Vigo defence all night and wasn’t helped by the referee in a few instances.
Camilo Duran – 6.4/10
A quieter night for the talisman, who struggled to get involved in the first half. Started off better i
n the second.
Used subs: Forrest, Hogh, Tounekti, Sorenson.
