Celtic slump to another away European defeat

A goal in each half from Athletico Madrid was enough to secure the Spaniards a win over Celtic tonight.

Celtic got off to the worst possible start when Samaras was named in the starting line up trying to support Hooper up front. Then things went from bad to worse for the Celts when they lost a goal in the opening two minutes.

A Diego corner was met by the head of Falcao despite the pressure from Loovens and Ledley for a really soft goal.

Celtic almost rebounded from this set back only a few minutes when Hooper was sent through by Samaras but his one two with Kayal saw the ball fall just behind the striker who could only bundle the ball at the keeper.

Athletico were comfortable in possession for the remainder of the first half and knocked the ball about well but rarely threatened Fraser Forster in the visitor’s goal. Apart for a Turan effort that was fired narrowly wide and Diego had a fierce strike beaten away by Fraser Forster.

Celtic had a decent start to the second period with a Ki striker being turned over by the keeper and then a Mulgrew free kick floated inches wide.

Just as it looked as though Celtic could get back into the game they lost a second goal to put the game beyond them. Turan left Mark Wilson for dead on the left before laying the ball in for Diego to side foot the ball in from about 8 yards out.

After the goal theMadridside were keen to make it three and Forster did exceptionally well to turn a Turan effort on to the top of the cross bar and away for a corner.

In the end Celtic were well beaten, as expected, but they did at least put some pressure on the home defence, and this should give them hope for taking something from the home ties in the group.