Celtic fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Celta Vigo, leaving them without a point in the Europa League after a second-half collapse. Mika Baur opened the scoring, but a quick-fire double from Javi Rodriguez turned the game around.
Martin O'Neill's side now have zero points from three matches, extending their winless run in Europe to four consecutive defeats. They have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions, leaving qualification for the knockout stages a significant challenge.
Celtic ahead through Baur
The first half was evenly contested with few clear chances. Callum Osmand appealed for either a red card and a free-kick or a penalty and a yellow card when he went down near the box, but referee Georgi Kabakov waved play on.
Celtic started the second half strongly. Haissem Hassan drove past Marcos Alonso down the right and delivered a cross that deflected kindly for Baur, who finished calmly to give the hosts the lead. It was their first Europa League goal this season.
Benjamin Nygren nearly added a second with a powerful effort at the near post, only to be denied by the Celta goalkeeper. Liam Scales then headed against the top of the crossbar as Celtic pushed for more.
Rodriguez double turns the game
Celta Vigo responded quickly. Javi Rodriguez rose to head home from close range after a precise free-kick delivery from Alvarez to level the scores.
His second goal came minutes later. A slip from a Celtic defender allowed Swedberg to reach the byline and cut the ball back. Jutgla's dummy let Rodriguez step onto the ball, and he powered a strike past Johnstone from the edge of the box.
Five talking points from Celtic Park
Osmand's penalty appeals: The Englishman felt he deserved either a free-kick and a red card or a penalty and a yellow after Javi Rueda put a hand on his back. The contact started outside the area, and Osmand continued over the line before going down. The referee told him to get up, a decision that was probably correct.
Johnstone's return: Sam Johnstone was a surprise starter, having last played in the 3-0 defeat at Ibrox last month. He was not heavily tested but got a hand to Rodriguez's header, which had too much power from close range. He had no chance with the second.
Hassan shows promise: Haissem Hassan, signed from Real Oviedo in the summer, showed his best form yet at Celtic Park. He troubled Alonso consistently and delivered better final balls, though he faded after the hour mark.
Celta's quality: Neil Lennon, who played against Celta 23 years ago in the UEFA Cup Final run, recalled them being a tough side. The current team proved similar, with fluid possession and rotations that Celtic struggled to contain. This was arguably Celtic's best Europa League display this season, but Celta were a level above.
Qualification uphill: No team has reached the playoff round after losing their first three games since the league phase format was introduced. Celtic have two home games already gone and face Besiktas and Marseille in their remaining four matches. Those fixtures now look crucial, with Marseille just above them in the table.
