Well, it’s the morning after the night before and we’re all still coming to terms with Celtic’s loss to Lazio.
Just how did we manage to take no points from a game we had led and dominated in for large spells? Where did it go wrong? And do we have any hope at all at this level?
Last night’s performance would certainly seem to suggest that we do. It was a polished display in the main from Brendan Rodgers‘ men as we worked the ball around and created some good opportunities.
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri had done his homework on Celtic in the lead-up to the match, calling us a technical rather than a physical side. He repeated that message after his side’s last-gasp win.
“The game was as planned yesterday as well: high intensity,” he told Sky Sport in Italy. They are not an Anglo-Saxon team, they have speed and technique in speed.
“We had a great first half, at the beginning of the second there was also the possibility of taking the lead. Then a period of suffering, but we were more temperamental and we were rewarded.
“Even before the game I told the guys not to listen to anyone because we are close, we are close to being competitive. It’s little because it’s about winning or losing, and you can fill it. I hope tonight’s game gives a kick of courage and triggers a positive period.”
Sarri has been very complimentary of us around this game. He knows that we will pose a real challenge when we venture to the Stadio Olimpico at the end of November.
Yet, at this stage, we can’t even be sure that matchday five clash will be a meaningful fixture for us. For all the decent football we’ve played in our opening two matches — both of which we were firmly in — we have no points.
Atletico Madrid and Lazio already have four while Feyenoord have their three for beating us. That’s the cold hard reality Celtic fans are waking up to this morning — loads of positives, but still no points.
Last night was a major opportunity for the team to end the six-year wait for a win at this level. The longer it goes on, the more of a burden it becomes. Next up is Atletico Madrid in three weeks.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers reacts to the cruelest of nights for Celtic in the Champions League
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
