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Celtic go out against Valencia in the Europa League last 32 but it is not all doom and gloom for the Bhoys.

It’s came under a lot of pressure this campaign, but Brendan Rodgers is making progress on his defence.

If the tie at the Mestalla is to go by, the Hoops are finally on the right path to sorting it out.

Defence is working at last for Celtic

Rodgers’ decision to shake it up a bit at the back was working well until Jeremy Toljan’s sending off.

In fact, the whole team will have surprised many fans who were expecting a drubbling like the first leg.

However, the back line’s job was made even harder by going down to 10 – completely changing the shape and mentality.

The manager went five in defence in a shock move which was enough to deal with the deadly Valencia forwards.

It wasn’t stretched and there was always one man to cover and crowded out the strikers.

Unfortunately, the red card changed all that but the Hoops’ makeshift back four continued to defend amicably.

Not one player let the team down in the defence which is surprising following a defeat.

How is the new defence working?

The back line showed the desire and structure that was sorely lacking at Celtic Park against the Spaniards.

Concentration was a major flaw at the first leg but The Bhoys were completely switched on this time.

Celtic were unfortunately outdone by a move of the highest order which allowed France international Kevin Gameiro to open the scoring.

Special recognition must go to Jonny Hayes who continues to show heart and desire at his new position.

Kieran Tierney will return to left-back after injury but fans will surely see what the Irishman is currently bringing.

Another man who received stick in the past, Jozo Simunovic, passed this test with flying colours too.

Kristoffer Ajer was arguably Man of the Match having to move also to an unfamiliar full-back spot.

Lastly, Dedryck Boyata was the master of the last-gasp tackles and did progress as the game went on.

Unfortunately, Rodgers may not be able to play these players together again with the Belgian out of contract in the summer.

What is for sure is the manager is learning from his mistakes in Europe and must take confidence from the Valencia away performance.

He’ll need to rally the group round now and prepare for Motherwell on Sunday.