Feyenoord 2-0 Celtic: Champions League defeat for Brendan Rodgers' side in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, it was a night filled with drama and disappointment for Celtic as they faced off against Feyenoord in the Champions League. The Scottish side, under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, came into the match with hopes of securing a rare away victory in the competition. However, as the final whistle blew, it was Feyenoord who celebrated a 2-0 win, while Celtic had two men sent off in a second-half implosion.

The evening started with promise for Celtic as they began brightly, seeking their first away win in the Champions League since their victory against Anderlecht in 2017. The team displayed maturity and composure in the first half, with a solid defensive shape and some threatening moments. Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate had opportunities to put Celtic ahead, but the breakthrough came for the Dutch champions just before halftime.

Calvin Stengs of Feyenoord delivered a long-range free-kick that pierced the Celtic defensive wall and eluded goalkeeper Joe Hart’s grasp. It was a moment of frustration for Celtic, as both Hart and the defensive wall might have done better to prevent the goal.

This goal seemed to breathe life into Feyenoord, who had struggled until that point. In the second half, Celtic’s night took a disastrous turn. Gustaf Lagerbielke was shown a second yellow card for a foul in the box on Igor Paixao, and Hart then made a brilliant save from Paixao’s penalty kick.

However, the odds became insurmountable for Celtic when substitute Odin Thiago Holm received a straight red card for a reckless tackle. Alireza Jahanbakhsh took advantage of the situation, securing Feyenoord’s victory with a well-taken goal.

The match could have ended with an even larger margin of defeat for Celtic, as they had further efforts disallowed. In the end, Celtic was left to ponder a painful European defeat that placed them at the bottom of their group.

For Celtic, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Lazio is their next opponent, and the challenge has suddenly become even tougher. Major lessons need to be learned from this experience if they hope to turn things around in the Champions League.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledged the team’s competitive spirit, especially in the first 60 minutes of the match. He emphasized that with the return of a few more players, the team could be in good stead for the remainder of the competition.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed the sentiment that the early goal before halftime had a significant impact on the game. Despite the disappointment, he highlighted the team’s resilience and determination.

Looking ahead, Celtic will have to regroup and prepare for their upcoming matches, both domestically and in the Champions League. The quest for an elusive away victory in Europe continues, but the team remains determined to improve and compete at the highest level.

As for Feyenoord, they can celebrate a well-deserved victory and hope to build on this positive start in the Champions League. Calvin Stengs, who scored the crucial opening goal, proved to be the player of the match and played a pivotal role in Feyenoord’s success on the night.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Champions League Defeat

Q: What was the final score of the match between Celtic and Feyenoord in the Champions League?

A: The final score of the match was Feyenoord 2, Celtic 0.

Q: Who scored the opening goal for Feyenoord, and how did it happen?

A: Calvin Stengs of Feyenoord scored the opening goal with a long-range free-kick that pierced the Celtic defensive wall and went past goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Q: How did Celtic’s performance in the first half of the match compare to the second half?

A: In the first half, Celtic displayed maturity and composure, creating some threatening moments. However, things unraveled in the second half, with two players sent off and a goal conceded.

Q: Who received red cards for Celtic during the match?

A: Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm received red cards for Celtic during the match. Lagerbielke received a second yellow card for a foul in the box, and Holm received a straight red card for a reckless tackle.

Q: What did Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers say about the team’s performance?

A: Brendan Rodgers acknowledged that the team started well and looked threatening. He also mentioned that with the return of some injured players, Celtic could improve their performance in the remainder of the competition.

Q: What’s next for Celtic in the Champions League?

A: Celtic’s next Champions League match is against Lazio in Glasgow on October 4th.

Q: Who was named the Player of the Match in the game?

A: Calvin Stengs of Feyenoord was named the Player of the Match for his crucial opening goal and overall performance.

Q: How many clean sheets have Celtic kept in their Champions League away games, and what is their goals conceded record?

A: Celtic have kept just one clean sheet in their 37 Champions League away games, conceding a total of 89 goals.

Q: Which team previously had two players sent off on their Champions League debut in the same match?

A: KAA Gent is the other team that had two players sent off on their Champions League debut in the same match, which occurred in September 2015.

Q: Who was the last Celtic goalkeeper to save a Champions League penalty before Joe Hart?

A: Artur Boruc was the last Celtic goalkeeper to save a Champions League penalty before Joe Hart, and it happened against Manchester United in November 2006.

More about Champions League Defeat

Feyenoord 2-0 Celtic: Champions League defeat for Brendan Rodgers’ side in Rotterdam