Chris Sutton’s instant verdict as Celtic are knocked out of Europe

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Celtic have drawn with Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League tonight, ending any hope of securing European football after Christmas.

The Bhoys needed a win to bring any chance of Europa League qualification into the last matchday away to Real Madrid, but a stunning Mykhalo Mudryk equaliser cancelled out Giorgos Giakoumakis’ close-range first-half finish.

Ange Postecoglou set his team out with very attacking personnel, including playing Kyogo Furuhashi in an attacking midfield role behind Giakoumakis.

It paid off after 34 minutes when the Greek striker capitalised on chaos inside the Shakhtar box, a deflection from Liel Abada’s shot, to make Paradise erupt.

The Ukrainians gave as good as they got throughout the 90 minutes and were rewarded for their efforts when Mudryk was catapulted on an electric counter that ended with him firing the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box on the hour.

Big chances for both teams followed, but neither could kill off the match and in the end, a draw was probably a fair result.

Again, it was one of those frustrating nights when Celtic weren’t particularly outclassed but just couldn’t make an advantage count in key moments.

After the match form Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who was on commentary duties, summed it up by saying on Twitter: “Well done to Shakhtar Donetsk. Celtic out of Europe. Missed opportunities did for Celtic in the Champions League this season. Some good performances. Good chances created but bang average finishing. But I like what Ange Postecoglou is building.”

Celtic have one match remaining – arguably the toughest of the entire competition away to the reigning champions – that’ll be tough for the Bhoys, especially when they are only really playing for pride.

The entire focus of the season will again switch to domestic concerns and the hope of qualifying for the Champions League again next year.

In other news, Future Celtic transfer concern shot down by confident Ange Postecoglou.