Celtic's European Ambitions Suffer Major Setback in Denmark
Martin O’Neill’s Celtic revival hit a significant roadblock in Jutland as the Scottish champions were comprehensively beaten 3-1 by FC Midtjylland. The Hoops' hopes of progressing to the Europa League knockout stages were dealt a severe blow after the Danish side scored three times in a devastating eight-minute first-half spell.
First-Half Collapse Proves Costly for Celtic
Despite starting brightly with Johnny Kenny forcing a save from Elias Rafn Olafsson after just 25 seconds, Celtic were soon under intense pressure. Kasper Schmeichel, celebrating his 39th birthday back in his homeland, was called into action multiple times, denying former Rangers defender Kevin Mbabu and making a point-blank stop from Cho Gue-sung.
The resistance finally broke from a corner. After Celtic cleared the initial cross, Mikel Gogorza recycled possession and his chip was headed home by Martin Erlic. Less than two minutes later, the lead was doubled as Gogorza wriggled between Arne Engels and Anthony Ralston to fire past Schmeichel.
The first-half capitulation was complete when a long throw from Mads Bech Sørensen was collected by the in-form Guinea-Bissau forward Djú, who curled his 18th goal of the season into the far corner, leaving Celtic with a mountain to climb.
Late Consolation Fails to Mask Gloomy Evening
O’Neill introduced 19-year-old substitute Callum Osmand at half-time, and the youngster won a penalty after being brought down by Erlic. Reo Hatate converted the spot-kick, but it was mere consolation on a chastening night.
The evening worsened for Celtic when the promising Osmand was stretchered off in tears with what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury, compounding the misery for the travelling supporters.
Nottingham Forest Secure Away Point in Austria
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest maintained their unbeaten away record in the Europa League with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Sturm Graz at the Merkur Arena. The result extends Sean Dyche's undefeated start in European competition since taking charge.
Forest spurned a golden opportunity to take all three points when Morgan Gibbs-White saw his first-half penalty saved by Oliver Christensen. The Austrian side had earlier thought they'd taken the lead through Maurice Malone, but the effort was correctly ruled out for offside.
The match became a scrappy affair after the interval, with neither team managing a shot on target. Forest came closest to a winner in stoppage time when Nicolás Domínguez's thunderous strike cannoned back off the crossbar, ensuring the points were shared.
