Glasgow | Celtic soundly beaten by Midtjylland

Midtjylland 3 - 1 Celtic

Celtic’s revival under interim manager Martin O’Neill came to an abrupt halt as Midtjylland delivered a ruthless lesson.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | MCH Arena

View from the away end

O’Neill had guided Celtic to two straight wins since stepping in for Brendan Rodgers, knew the scale of the task against a side that had already beaten Nottingham Forest. Yet even he, like many watching, will have been stunned by the intensity of Midtjylland’s first-half onslaught.

By the time Martin Erlic headed home the opener, the hosts could easily have been out of sight such was their dominance. Within minutes their lead was doubled, Mikel Kruger-Johnsen breaking free of the Celtic defence to lift a fine finish into the far corner.

Shell-shocked and static, Celtic were undone again before the break when the outstanding Franculino Dju struck a third, leaving O’Neill’s side chasing shadows.

The second half became an exercise in damage limitation. Although the scoreline remained respectable, it was remarkable that Midtjylland failed to add to their tally, given their continued control.

Celtic eventually found a late consolation when Callum Osmand was brought down by Erlic with ten minutes to play, allowing Reo Hatate to convert from the spot. The goal injected brief life into the visitors, but as has too often been the case long before O’Neill’s return, it came far too late to alter the outcome.

Celtic did well to escape with just the three goals against

Twenty-four shots, 12 on target. Fifteen with nine accurate in a blistering first half. Statistics like that are rarely seen against Celtic.

In truth, the margin of defeat could have been far greater. Among all the concerns O’Neill, his staff and players will take back to Glasgow, this one will linger longest.

Midtjylland were outstanding, and it cannot be overstated how impressive their performance was. They look every inch the side to beat in Europe’s second-tier competition, while Celtic, who only months ago had ambitions of a Champions League place, were simply swept aside.

O’Neill has been quick to dismiss any talk of taking the job permanently during his two victories so far. Yet this was a stark reminder of the scale of the rebuilding task ahead, one that may well influence his decision.