Celtic crash out at the first hurdle: Celtic 0-2 RB Leipzig
Celtic were dumped out of the Champions League in what was a lackluster performance against German outfit Leipzig.
Without star men, Felipe Jota and captain Callum McGregor, Celtic were not favourites for the match, coming off the back of a heavy 3-1 defeat to Leipzig last Wednesday.
Ange Postecoglou’s side were not short of chances early on with a clear effort on goal from winger Diazen Maeda in the first minute. That was followed by a series of great efforts from Kyogo and Matt O’Riley with the latter crashing a shot against the woodwork in the 25th minute. Celtic had the better of the chances in the first-half, something they would later be made to regret.
The German side looked the better team after the break and Timo Werner’s late opener in the 75th minute was imminent. A well-taken header in his stride put the visitors in front and sunk the hosts’ hopes of a much-needed win. However, the Hoops continued to rue wasteful chances, with substitute Giorgos Giakoumakis unable to convert from close-range. Emile Forsberg put the game beyond Celtic’s reach with a lovely finish into the top corner, which all but secured the three points.
The result leaves Celtic bottom of their Champion’s League group. They will need to win next time out against Shaktar Donetsk and aim to get a positive result against current holders Real Madrid to have any chance of European football after Christmas. Postecoglou’s side have shown that they can compete at the top-level, however, the consistency needed to make an impact in the competition is not there for the Scottish champions.