O'Neill defiant in defeat but Celtic's 'flat-track bullies' fail another big test
Celtic have now lost two Europa League group games, as well as two derbies - but Martin O'Neill is adamant he can see positive signs.
Key points
- Celtic lost 4-1 to Benfica in Lisbon, their fourth defeat in five games.
- Manager O'Neill praised the second half and insisted Celtic can still qualify.
- Captain McGregor blamed unforced errors for the first-half collapse.
Celtic suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at Benfica on Thursday, their fourth loss in five matches. The Scottish champions conceded three goals in a disastrous first half in Lisbon, leaving them 34th of 36 teams in the competition after two games.
Dane Murray gave away a penalty inside four minutes for a foul on Jhon Duran. Sebastian Tounekti then let Alexander Bah run past him for Benfica's second, and goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was beaten too easily as Duran scored the third.
O'Neill defiant after loss
Camilo Duran pulled one back after the break and hit a post as Celtic improved, but Vangelis Pavlidis scored Benfica's fourth late on. Manager O'Neill said the second-half performance was "terrific" and gave him determination, adding: "I think we can still qualify."
Captain Callum McGregor admitted Celtic were masters of their own downfall. "First half we didn't help ourselves," he told TNT Sports, saying unforced errors led to the second and third goals.
We could've capitulated, but I thought the second-half performance was terrific.
— O'Neill
Defensive and attacking issues
Celtic's lack of depth in defence was exposed without the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers, as Gianluca Prestianni and Duran tormented the back four. Benfica created chances throughout and hit the woodwork twice in addition to their four goals.
Club record signing Kasper Hogh was substituted at half-time and has now failed to score in 10 of his first 11 outings since joining from Bodo/Glimt. Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan said he would pick Duran over Hogh every day of the week.
