Valencia 1 Ten Man Celtic 0
ON another day Kristoffer Ajer gets two goals from those chances. on another day the German referee employs a bit of common sense and warns his fellow countryman Jerry Trojan that he needs to watch himself after picking up a caution minutes earlier.
Celtic were easily the better team up until that point with the majority of possession and having had eight efforts on goal to the home side’s none.
Then that second card came out for something and nothing and it a uphill task became a mountain to climb. Brendan Rodgers got his tactics stop on and as the game progressed Valencia were clearly un-nerved. Had Celtic grabbed that goal who knows what might have happened.
But after the red card on 36 minutes it was backs to the wall stuff with Scott Bain, practically a spectator until that point, having to earn his wages and some. The sweeper keeper didn’t let anyone down with three good saves to send Celtic in at the interval level.
While Valencia had the pressure at the start of the second half it was Celtic who had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring. Ryan Christie’s perfectly struck free-kick found kris Ayer and it looked a goal ever day of the week. Ajer’s connection was actually too good and Norwegian’s effort went wide. It was heartbreaking.
The inevitable then happened when the defence cracked despite dealing with anything that this talented La Liga side could muster. Jonny Hayes, excellent all night, was caught ball watching and the Spanish side bounded for Kevin Gameiro, just off the bench, to get his easiest goal of the season.
It was heartbreaking stuff for a spirited, determined Celtic side who at long last – despite the scoreline – looks like it has found its feet at this level.
Star performances from Scott Bain in goal – anyone who doubts he is a shot-stopper will be quiet after tonight, Jonny Hayes, looking like a Celtic player at long last, Kris Ayer, despite the missed chances, Dedryck Boyata, excellent since coming out of the his Athens huff – who wants to play for Fulham anyway?
Scott Brown too was solid, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie did well and Oli Burke ran himself into the ground – but needs to work on that first touch to become the complete footballer.
The Celtic support were as that Australian guy says on Strictly – FAB-U-LOUS. Every single one of them inside the ground and outside without a ticket.
So that’s European football over for another season, it’s not a bad time to park it and move on towards the important business – up against the most corrupt referees in world football – of winning 8IAR and a Treble Treble.
Last thought, a bad night for the Mikael Lustig haters.
Man of the Match – Kris Ajer
