Midtjylland 3–1 Celtic: First-half Collapse Hands O'Neill First Defeat
Celtic’s Europa League campaign took another blow as they fell 3–1 to Midtjylland, marking Martin O'Neill’s first loss since returning to the club. The visitors’ frailties in the first half proved costly, with three goals conceded in quick succession.
First-half Breakdown
Midtjylland’s dominance surfaced late in the first half. After several missed chances from Franculino, Kevin Mbabu and Mads Bech, the hosts struck decisively.
- In the 33rd minute, Martin Erlic rose above the defense to head home after a recycled corner.
- Just 98 seconds later, Mikel Gogorza doubled the lead with a curling strike into the far corner.
- Four minutes before halftime, Franculino Dju added a third, lifting the ball gracefully into the top-left corner after a long throw.
"It was a brutal few minutes that decided the game," commented Martin O’Neill after the match.
Celtic’s Missed Opportunities
Before the collapse, Cho Gue-Sung forced an outstanding save from Kasper Schmeichel and struck the rebound into Anthony Ralston’s face, summing up Celtic’s misfortune in front of goal.
Late Consolation and Missed Chances
Midtjylland controlled much of the second half but were undone briefly in the 78th minute when Erlic fouled debutant Callum Osmand inside the area, handing Celtic a lifeline from the spot. The late goal did little to change the outcome, as the Danish side protected their unbeaten run in the competition.
Author’s Summary: Celtic’s early defensive collapse and Midtjylland’s ruthless first-half blitz cemented O’Neill’s first loss back in charge, deepening the Scots’ Europa League troubles.