Celtic collapsed in Denmark as the Martin O’Neill effect wore off in the Europa League against FC Midtjylland.
Celtic started the game brightly and looked to threaten after Arne Engels had the first shot of the Europa League tie in the first minute of the game.
Whilst the Danes controlled much of the first half, Celtic were coping well until the 33rd minute when Erlić opened the scoring for Midtjylland.
What happened next was an eight-minute horror show as the Danish Superliga side tore Celtic apart as Krüger-Johnsen added the second in the 35th minute and Franculino Djúc added a third.
Reo Hatate hit a late consolation goal as the Celtic midfielder converted a penalty but by then the damage was already done.
So with that in mind, here are 67 Hail Hail’s player ratings as Celtic suffered an embarrassing 3-1 Europa League defeat against FC Midtjylland.
Photo by BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty ImagesCeltic player ratings vs FC MidtjyllandKasper Schmeichel – 5
Despite conceding three goals, Schmeichel still made crucial saves to keep the scoreline as low as he possibly could. The Celtic goalkeeper’s short passing was, at times, suspect.
Anthony Ralston – 3
Ralston struggled from pretty much the first minute. The ball he took square to the face was the only piece of good defending the Scotland full-back did. Was at fault for the opening goal for failing to stop the cross and was weak as he allowed Gogorza to dance past him.
Auston Trusty – 5
The American looked comfortable in the first 20 minutes as Trusty made a couple of important blocks in the box. Should have done better at the cross for Midtjylland’s second.
Liam Scales – 4
The Irishman didn’t have his best game as Celtic’s best player this season struggled to contain a relentless Midtjylland attack. Was harshly booked in the first half. Scales will not want to look back at this game anytime soon.
Kieran Tierney – 4
Was largely anonymous despite defending okay in the opening 15 minutes. Tierney struggled to provide that attacking threat on the flanks that proved so effective against Rangers at the weekend.
Arne Engels – 3
Engels was nowhere to be seen despite having a shot on goal for Celtic in the first minute of the game. The Belgian was man-marked throughout the whole match and struggled to make any sort of impact. Was partially responsible for the second goal with a powder-puff attempt to tackle Gogorza. Subbed off in the 75th minute.
Photo by BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty ImagesCallum McGregor – 5
The Celtic captain did look like he had control of the midfield in the opening ten minutes of the game. However, like Engels, McGregor was man-marked out of the game as Midtjylland’s midfield bossed the rest of the
Benjamin Nygren – 3
The Swede made next to no impact in the game as the Danish side marshalled the midfield. Notes on Nygren’s performance were blank as the Celtic summer signing made no impact on the match. Taken off in the 69th minute.
Sebastian Tounekti – 6
Was the only bright spark in the Celtic team as Tounekti looked to dance past the Midtjylland defence from the first whistle. At times, the Tunisian looked to do too much when it was best to pass whenever he got that rare foray into the Danes’ penalty box. Subbed off in the 75th minute.
James Forrest – 5
The veteran winger was starved of any service in which to help the Celtic attack. Forrest seemed to struggle to create a defensive partnership with Ralston as the Hoops’ right-hand side was exposed time after time. Taken off at half time.
Johnny Kenny – 4
Was given no service as Kenny was like a spectator watching his Celtic teammates struggle to contain their opponents. Was hooked at half-time.
Daizen Maeda (Sub) – 6
The Japanese winger provided at least some energy as Maeda looked to try and get Celtic back into the game. Full of energy but even with 45 minutes under his belt, he failed to make a material impact on the game. The only positive is that Maeda has more game time to help increase his fitness.
Callum Osmand (Sub) – 5
As with Kenny, Osmand got no service as the young striker cut a forlorn figure. The Welshman has learned what it is like now tasting a heavy defeat as a Celtic player. At least he had a shot on target and won Celtic’s penalty. Suffered a hamstring injury with just five minutes to go.
Reo Hatate (Sub) – 5
Brought on for the final 15 minutes to replace the poor Engels. But in truth, the game was gone at that point as Hatate struggled to make an impact in the game. Gave Celtic a lifeline as he superbly tucked away the late penalty.
Paulo Bernardo (Sub) – 4
The lesser-spotted Portuguese midfielder replaced Arne Engels as Bernardo got a rare run-out in a Celtic jersey.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha – 5
Made an almost instant impact as he helped in the build-up to win Celtic’s penalty. Balikwisha never really contributed much else as Celtic were humbled in Denmark.