Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has delivered a level-headed assessment of the Hoops UEFA Champions League disappointment.
The Bhoys European venture in the 2022/23 campaign came to an end this evening after six games against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Travelling to the Bernabeu, with Madrid still playing top spot, was also going to be a challenging task, and Ange Postecoglou’s side found themselves on the end of a 5-1 loss.
Despite the thrashing, it seemed like the same old story for Celtic in Europe this season, missing plenty of guilt-edged chances, including from the penalty spot in the first half.
However, ultimately it was a disappointing night, and we found ourselves on the end of a poor result to finish off in Group F.
That being said, there are some small positives to take from the six games, and it could prove to be an important learning curve for Postecoglou and his players.
Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton provided his instant reaction to the result and group-stage performances as a whole after being in Madrid for the 5-1 defeat.
Although the pundit stated it was a tough night for the Hoops, he also praised them for continuing to play their football and expressed his belief that they will be a better side for their experience.
Taking to Twitter, he said: “Tough night. Unforgiving but got to stick with it. You could say there is a naivety about this Celtic team when still throwing men forward at 3 and 4 nil down, but that’s the Ange process and Celtic miss some huge chances… I think Celtic will be better for this experience 🍀.”
European campaign comes to a disappointing end, but there are positive signs for the future.
Over the years, as a club, we have been on the end of our fair share of hammerings in Europe or disappointing group stages.
And despite the frustration of this year, many supporters believe there are genuine signs we are headed in the right direction under Ange.
For the Celtic boss and many of his players, this was just their first taste of top-level European football and they will take plenty from playing in the Champions League for the first time.
Now, of course, supporters are disappointed after being on the end of these defeats and coming bottom of the group with just two points. That includes myself.
But for once, there is a positive note to hang on to, which hasn’t been a familiar feeling for Celtic supporters in the past.
Now, we must go away and make sure we win this Scottish Premiership League title in order to ensure we return to the competition and show our improvements next season.
In other news, VAR fall-out persists as Tony Watt appeal ruling confirmed ahead of Celtic trip.
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