Celtic’s Europa League struggles deepen as Benfica expose familiar flaws

Celtic’s European campaign is in early trouble after a 4-1 defeat at Benfica in the Europa League group stage. The result leaves the Scottish champions with zero points from two matches and sitting 34th in the 36-team table. Manager Martin O’Neill pointed to a spirited second-half display as a reason for optimism, but the broader pattern is becoming harder to defend: every high-stakes match this season — both Old Firm derbies and both European games — has ended in defeat.

The match was effectively decided in a chaotic first half. Celtic conceded a penalty inside four minutes when defender Dane Murray fouled Benfica striker Jhon Duran. The Colombian converted from the spot. Celtic’s defensive problems deepened when Sebastian Tounekti allowed Alexander Bah to run past him unchallenged for Benfica’s second goal. Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was then beaten too easily as Duran scored again to make it 3-0 before the break.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Result | Benfica 4-1 Celtic |
| Competition | Europa League group stage |
| Celtic’s position | 34th of 36 teams (0 points from 2 games) |
| Recent record | 4 defeats in last 5 matches |

Celtic improved after half-time. Camilo Duran pulled a goal back and struck the post as the visitors created several chances. But Benfica always looked dangerous on the counter-attack, and Vangelis Pavlidis scored a fourth goal late on to end any hope of a comeback.

O’Neill defended his team’s performance, particularly after the interval. “Last thing you want to do is concede so early on,” he said. “We could’ve capitulated, but I thought the second-half performance was terrific. We created chance after chance. The second-half performance gives me the determination that we can still qualify.”

Captain Callum McGregor was more critical. “First half we didn’t help ourselves,” he told TNT Sports. “Unforced errors lead to the second and third goals and you have a mountain to climb. We know at this level if you don’t look after the ball you’re going to get punished.”

The flat-track bully label sticks

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton described his old side as “flat-track bullies” — a term used for teams that dominate weaker opposition but struggle when the level of competition rises. The numbers support that view. Celtic have lost four of their last five games. Every match that carried genuine pressure this season — two meetings with Rangers and two European ties — has ended in defeat.

Injuries have exposed a lack of defensive depth. Cameron Carter-Vickers was absent again, and Benfica’s attackers repeatedly found space behind Celtic’s back four. Gianluca Prestianni and Duran caused problems throughout, hitting the woodwork twice in addition to their four goals.

Hogh’s struggles raise selection questions

Celtic’s club-record signing Kasper Hogh was substituted at half-time. The Danish forward has now failed to score in 10 of his first 11 appearances since joining from Bodo/Glimt in the summer. O’Neill admitted after the match that Duran is better suited to playing through the middle.

“Duran has played wide at his previous clubs,” O’Neill said. “But I personally feel his best position is through the middle. It’s now a matter of us trying to fit him in and I think we can do that. It’s a real battle for places now.”

Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan said the decision to hook Hogh was understandable. “If I’m a creative midfield player and I’ve got Duran and Hogh to pick from, I’m taking Duran every day of the week. He looks to get off the side of defenders. Hogh just isn’t firing on all cylinders.”

What this means for Celtic’s Europa League hopes

Celtic still have four group games remaining, but the margin for error is almost gone. Only the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, and teams finishing 9th to 24th enter a knockout play-off round. Sitting 34th after two matches means Celtic likely need at least seven or eight points from the remaining four fixtures to have a realistic chance of progressing.

The next match against a group opponent will be critical. O’Neill believes the second-half performance in Lisbon shows his side can compete at this level. The first-half display, and the results against Rangers and Benfica, suggest otherwise.

Source: BBC Sport Football – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwm243rxn1pxo

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