Celtic Fall to 3-1 Defeat to Midtjylland in Europa League
Martin O'Neill’s return to European competition ended with disappointment in Denmark as Celtic suffered a 3-1 loss to Midtjylland in their Europa League encounter.
Match Overview
The home side dominated the first half, securing a 3-0 lead that ultimately decided the outcome. Celtic managed only a late consolation when Reo Hatate converted a penalty, marking their third defeat of the League Phase.
O’Neill’s Line-Up and Intent
Interim manager Martin O’Neill, looking to build momentum after consecutive victories that included a cup semi-final win over Rangers, made just two changes from the team that played at Hampden on Sunday.
First Half: Midtjylland’s Control
Midtjylland, boasting a perfect record in the tournament and sitting top of the standings, began with intensity and quickly created multiple opportunities. Their persistence paid off around the 30-minute mark.
- Daniel Osorio’s volley was turned behind by Kasper Schmeichel for a corner.
- From the ensuing set-piece, Mikel Kruger-Johnsen delivered an accurate cross that Martin Erlic headed home.
“The celebrations had barely settled when the home team added a second.”
Kruger-Johnsen doubled the lead by cutting in from the right and curling a superb shot beyond Schmeichel into the far corner.
Third Goal and Late Response
Four minutes before halftime, the dominant hosts struck again when Celtic failed to clear a corner, allowing Franculino Dju to drive in a fierce long-range effort to make it 3-0.
At the break, O’Neill replaced James Forrest and Johnny Kenny with Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand, but the changes came too late to alter the result.
Late Consolation
Reo Hatate converted a penalty late on, reducing the deficit to 3-1, but the outcome had long been settled.
Summary: Despite a spirited second half and a late goal, Celtic’s early defensive lapses cost them dearly against a confident Midtjylland side in Denmark.