Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton reckons the Bhoys will struggle to even make third position in Group E of the UEFA Champions League after losing their first two matches of the campaign.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were defeated by Feyenoord on matchday one and then came so close to a positive result of their own at home to Lazio on Wednesday night.
However, a deflating late goal silenced Celtic Park and left the Bhoys on zero points in the group. Sutton reckons it could be the blow that sends them out of Europe altogether.
Celtic facing disappointing European exit
The outspoken pundit isn’t happy that the Bhoys have passed up a chance to make a statement in Europe’s premier competition.
He said [Scottish Daily Mail, 06/10 print edition]: “It’s a massive missed opportunity for Celtic. It wasn’t a great Lazio team. Celtic have had a generous group this time around and for them to lose the first two games, it’s not good enough.
“They weren’t really creative enough and then they shot themselves in the foot. Lazio didn’t deserve to win but that’s a hammer blow for Celtic. Now even finishing third looks like a tall order.”
It’s easy to understand why Sutton isn’t confident of Celtic climbing off the bottom of the group and parachuting into the UEFA Europa League knockouts.
A daunting double-header against Atletico Madrid is ahead before a trip to Rome to face Wednesday’s victors. By the time Feyenoord come calling on matchday six, Celtic could already be completely out of Europe.
But it’s on this team to show they belong at this level. They competed well mid-week despite the disappointment and they must find a way to pick up points from the next 12 available, even if it doesn’t result in European football after Christmas.
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