Last night Celtic were eliminated from Champions League Qualifying at the 2nd round stage, for the first time in 15 years, as they fell to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.
It was a slow start to the game for the Hoops, conceding an early goal on the 7th minute. At first, the Celtic defence had cleared a corner well. However, the ball only made its way to the edge of the box to Ferencvaros midfielder David Siger. The Hungarian had space on the edge of the box so had an effort on goal, due to the limited pressure of the Celtic defence/midfield. The shot found its way into the bottom corner, past Vasilis Barkas.
Celtic were desperate to get back into the game as early as possible, having several shots going just past the post or into the side netting from both Ryan Christie and Oliver Ntcham.
It took the Scottish Champions up until early in the second-half to finally break the deadlock. Some nice interchange of play between James Forrest and Mohamed Elyounoussi found its way to Ryan Christie just outside the box. His snapshot then took a slight deflection and looped over Denes Dibusz.
A sustained period of pressure saw Celtic come close again, as Oliver Ntcham smashed the underside of the crossbar and Elyounoussi scoring a wonderful chipped effort but was called offside. Looking back at the reply it was a very tight call, that probably should have went in the Hoops favour.
Ferencvaros were able to take advantage of the home side not taking their chances, on the counter-attack. What looked to be a aimless longball, made it all the way through to Tokmac Nguen. The winger, took advantage of the shortage at the back sprinting through on goal, from a wide angle and squeezed the ball past Barkas.
The night started off all wrong from the team selection, starting without a striker despite having two on the bench. In all honesty though, striker or no striker this squad should have had more than enough quality to win the game.
We simply haven’t learned from our mistakes in the past, with results like Cluj, AEK and Copenhagen, to name a few recent poor European results which seem to have the same theme. We keep telling ourselves we should win these games but continue to defy the odds in somehow losing.
We created enough to win last night, but didn’t really deserve to. No offence to Ferencvaros as a side, and fair play to them on getting the result, but there is no doubt we should be beating a side of their quality.
How many more times do we need to say it?
We now drop into the 3rd round of qualifying of the Europa League. The draw is set to take place on Tuesday, with the tie taking place on the 24th of September. Next in the league is Motherwell on Sunday.
Playing Ratings
Vasilis Barkas- 5
Another performance where the Greek goalkeeper didn’t have much to do overall. Looks very composed in possession.
Ferencvaros scored from their only two chances in the game but would say they weren’t his fault.
First one is a good strike. Second, he tries to shut down the angle, on his near post but Nguen tucks it away well, far post.
Hatem Elhamed- 4
Usually reliable both going forward, but was a bit of a poor night when it comes to his standards.
Tried to get forward more in the second half, put in a few crosses, no one in the box to get onto though.
Was at fault for the second goal. Let’s the ball go in behind to Nguen and defends the space poorly, letting him run into space.
Christopher Jullien- 5
Won the majority of his headers against the Hungarian’s frontline but that really should be expected from the 6 ft 5 French defender.
Had some dreadful passes, when trying to play the ball out wide, giving away possession far too easily.
Kristoffer Ajer- 6
Returned to the side after a two game absence, and was probably the best out of the defenders tonight.
Came out of defence and started attacks well. Showed some of what we missed on Saturday with that ability.
Wasn’t actually that tested in defence apart from some early pressure which quickly disappeared.
Greg Taylor- 5
At the moment, it seems to be the same story with Taylor. Does okay in the defensive side of the game.
His crossing was yet again poor and aimless at times. To be fair to him didn’t have much to aim for in the box, without a recognised striker starting.
Scott Brown- 5
Didn’t have a great first half, some blamed him for the goal but not too much he could do being left alone at the back post with several Ferencvaros players. Gave the ball away needlessly at times.
Became more involved in the second half, linked up with the play a bit more. Certainly hasn’t had the best start to the season so far.
Callum McGregor- 6
Another player who had a quiet night to his usual standard of performance. Tried to get involved but the areas he is usually most effective in were very congested.
Dropped deeper at times to try and get into the game but couldn’t get the rhythm fully going throughout the night.
Oliver Ntcham- 7
Had several efforts coming agonisingly close to hitting the back of the net, including hitting the underside of the crossbar, as the ball bounced off the slick surface.
Played some brilliant passes to try and spread the play, showing some great technique you rarely see from players in Scotland.
Could be seen as one of the culprits, who should have shut down the ball quicker to stop the shot
James Forrest- 5
First half, Forrest was getting on the ball and coming inside trying to start attacks. Had a few pointless crosses, again though, no out and out striker in there to aim for.
Second half, faded out the game a bit more which was disappointing. Was involved in the set-up for the goal after a nice one-two with Mohamed Elyounoussi.
Mohamed Elyounoussi- 7
Probably the Hoops best player on the night, particularly in the first half. Cut-inside off the left and had a few shots, testing the keeper.
Grabbed an assist, playing the pass to Christie after having a key part in setting up the attack. Looked a little tired towards the end.
Ryan Christie- 6
Played in an unfamiliar role, starting as number nine leading the line. Was his usual busy self.
At first, tried to play the tradition striker role, collecting the ball, holding it up and trying to get away from his man.
In the second half, played a bit deeper in a more familiar role, roaming and trying to create. Finally scored tonight, after having nine attempts at it on Saturday. Took a deflection but done well to strike the ball with little back-lift
Substitutes
Albian Ajeti- 3
Came on with 12 minutes to play. Understand why he didn’t play from the star but should have been on before the 78th minute.
Tried to hold the ball up and roll his marker but couldn’t quite get into the game with little time on the pitch.
Jeremie Frimpong- 4
Was brought on at the same time as Ajeti, to try and bring pace, and a spark to the side. Did look to do so, collecting the ball on several occasion’s and dribbling at the Ferencvaros fullback.
Late on, tried to feed his fellow sub in on goal, after a superb run into midfield, but neither of the players were on the same wavelength.
I didn’t think we started well. we stuttered and eventually halfway through the first half we really were doing well and had the oppo on their heels. The second half we took them apart. Christie, center-forward scores for outside the D of the penalty box. And from there on, we hammered the door, until Elhamed failed to tackle Tok, or whatever his name is, he right foot stock as he tried to toe it away from him. With 12 mins left on the clock NL sends ona Centre forward. 12 mins!!! Will NL ever learn? I doubt it.
What really pissed me off was the Feranvaros screaming players making the most of every tackle, like wee boys. Their dugout crying at the ref. This is supposed to be a sport where teams compete. They won’t last long in the UCL. We’d heard how they were the best team in Hungary for over 30 years. NAW, just a mob of squealers, fakers, and cheats.
They didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves. We, the fans, deserve better. I like Jack Ross very much, no baggage, and no hassle!
I watched most of it, was very grim. Celtic were running aboot like headless chickens. Before and more after their visitors scored their second goal. No I take that back, at least headless chickens can still sense a Fuc&ing ball and dribble it in the last third, and defend their headless honour ????? to their TV viewers. It never really got going for the Chicken Hoops, as they were pish poor where it counted. Simple schoolboy stuff, respect the the visitors as they punished the whole team and the slack jawed bench. And it proves how much Celtic rely on Mr Edd. A one man team I say, after last night, you had better believe so.