Celtic Struggles in Europa League Opener Against Red Star
Celtic’s Europa League opener in Belgrade felt more like a rehearsal than a competitive match, as they laboured to a 1-1 draw with Red Star. The result leaves them above Hearts on goal difference, but it offers little comfort given the high expectations placed on Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Lack of Energy Raises Concerns
Stiliyan Petrov, a former Celtic midfielder, didn’t hold back during his analysis on TNT Sports. He highlighted the team’s “lack of energy” and a worrying trend of players waiting for someone else to take the lead. This has become a recurring theme this season: crisp passing up to the final third, followed by a frustrating inability to convert chances.
Last weekend’s Scottish Premiership win over Kilmarnock showcased a different side of Celtic, with Sebastian Tounekti impressing through his direct running and ability to find space. However, during the match against Red Star, Daizen Maeda, acting as a lone forward, managed only eight touches before halftime—a statistic that speaks volumes about Celtic’s struggles.
Missing a Cutting Edge
Tam McManus, a former Hibernian forward, expressed the growing frustration on social media, stating that Celtic is “a very hard watch in Europe” without a true number 9 or a creative midfielder to orchestrate play. The combination of a lack of cutting edge and imagination in the final third has led to a midweek performance that left fans wanting more.
Eye on Domestic Affairs
As the focus shifts back to domestic competitions, Celtic is set to face Hibernian at Celtic Park on Saturday. Fans will be watching the betting markets closely; a subpar European showing often impacts odds, meaning a strong bounce-back performance could yield lucrative results come kick-off.
With Hearts hosting Falkirk, Saturday’s clash isn’t just about securing points—it’s also an opportunity to reclaim confidence. Let’s hope Rodgers’ men avoid another lacklustre display and deliver a performance that excites the fans.