Celtic's European aspirations suffered a significant blow at Parkhead as Portuguese side Braga secured a convincing 2-0 victory, exposing defensive frailties that will concern manager Brendan Rodgers.
The home side's evening began in disastrous fashion when a catastrophic defensive error gifted Braga an early lead. A miscommunication between Celtic's backline allowed the visitors to pounce, setting the tone for a frustrating night in Glasgow.
Midfield Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Despite enjoying periods of possession, Celtic failed to convert their dominance into meaningful chances. The midfield, which many expected to control the game, appeared disjointed and unable to break down Braga's organised defensive structure.
One particular player, handed a rare starting opportunity to impress, failed to emerge for the second half after an anonymous first-half performance that did little to justify their selection.
Defensive Concerns Mount for Rodgers
The second goal encapsulated Celtic's defensive woes, with Braga exploiting space behind the home defence with concerning ease. As the game progressed, Celtic's frustration grew, with players unable to capitalise on the few clear-cut opportunities they created.
This performance raises serious questions about Celtic's readiness for the challenges of European football, with individual errors and tactical shortcomings combining to deliver a sobering reality check for the Scottish champions.
With the European campaign now facing an uphill battle, Rodgers must address these defensive issues quickly if Celtic are to progress beyond the group stages. The Parkhead faithful will demand significant improvement when European competition resumes.
