It was heartbreak for Celtic as Valencia sent the young Bhoys packing and progressed to the last-16 of the UEFA Youth League.
Jack Aitchison’s first-half goal was cancelled out by Ismael Martinez with minutes remaining to send the game to penalties as ‘keeper Antonio Sivera put the Spanish side through.
Valencia’s main threat Rafa Mir caused left-back Aidan McIlduff problems all evening with his pace and power but coped well to limit his capabilities.
Conor Hazard in the Hoops goal denied the Spanish side and Mir numerous times, including a close-range shot which he saved with his feet after a deflection.
Theo Archibald had Celtic’s first notable chance of the half after 23 minutes from Calvin Miller’s cross but Archibald fired well over the crossbar.
Celtic took the lead on 40 minutes through 15-year-old Aitchison after some lovely footwork on his debut at Paradise.
The youngster ran on to meet Jamie McCart’s terrific through ball that had the Valencia defence at sixes and sevens and skipped past the ‘keeper before firing the ball into an empty net.
Both sides continued to create chances in the second-half, the best falling to Celtic captain Fiacre Kelleher inside the box from Aitchison’s corner kick.
With just under 20 minutes remaining in the game Javier Jimenez was sent off for Valencia after a two-footed challenge on Aitchison.
Substitute Martinez lashed home on the 85th minute from 12-yards after the Celtic defence was stretched.
Innes Murray had a terrific chance minutes later to snatch the victory but his shot was fired straight at the ‘keeper.
So, after a disappointing loss, here are the player ratings from the game.
Conor Hazard 6.5/10
Smart save from the Hazard who took no chances as the ball was fired towards goal at him from an awkward angle. Made several saves to deny Valencia’s danger man Mir from inside the box and from distance. Almost cost Celtic a goal with six minutes remaining after a sloppy pass but recovered well to deny Mir. Saved several penalties but ultimately couldn’t help Celtic progress.
Sam Wardrop 7/10
Made good overlapping runs down the right flank and defended resolutely when called upon. Not afraid to put a challenge in and could be a player to look out for in the next year or two to make the step up to the first-team.
Fiacre Kelleher 7/10
Solid in defence and positioned himself well along the backline and kept others in check. Showed his array of passing throughout the game in the heart of the defence. The centre-back had a terrific chance after he found himself in space from a corner but couldn’t direct his header past the ‘keeper. Missed his penalty.
Jamie McCart 7/10
Took no risks in defence and cleared everything that came his way and was well positioned inside the box to prevent the ball getting into the danger areas in the box. Played a fantastic through ball to Aitchison to give Celtic the lead on 40 minutes.
Aidan McIlduff 7/10
Gave away a free kick on the edge of the area after being beaten inside too easily by the winger. Was hounded all evening at left-back and could have done with some help from midfield to double up on the winger in the first-half. The winger was more powerful and stronger than McIlduff, but as the game wore on the Celtic defender began to tame his ability. Missed his penalty.
Mark Hill 6.5/10
The youngster had a fairly quiet first-half and made several challenges and some neat passing moves but didn’t command the ball like Hendry did in midfield. More involved in the second-half and ventured forward to get involved in attacks more.
Daniel Higgins 6/10
Occupied a more defensive role of the midfield three and sat back and allowed the full-back’s to go forward. Made key blocks and timely interceptions to prevent Valencia from getting an attack going. Picked up a knock midway through the second-half and was substituted for Murray.
Regan Hendry 8/10
Skipped past one defender and cut the ball back but couldn’t find his man in the box. Worked hard on the left side of the midfield three and was the creative spark for Celtic.
Calvin Miller 7.5/10
Bright start down the left wing and got the ball into dangerous positions inside the box on numerous occasions. Looked like Celtic’s most dangerous player in attack and showed why he’s tipped to make the first-team in the future. Picked up a hamstring injury and was replaced with just over 20 minutes remaining in the game.
Jack Aitchison 7/10
Terrific goal to give Celtic the lead on 40 minutes after dancing past the keeper and firing the ball into an empty net. For a 15-year-old he worked tenaciously up front and caused problems all evening.
Theo Archibald 6.5/10
One of Celtic’s best chances of the first-half fell to him after chasing down the ‘keeper and forcing a poor kick out. Miller’s resulting cross fell to him but he fired well over the crossbar. Missed his penalty.
Innes Murray 4/10
Replaced Higgins with around 25 minutes remaining in the game. Had a terrific chance to win the game for Celtic after running onto a through ball but fire his shot right at the Valencia ‘keeper. Scored his penalty.
Ciaran Lafferty 3/10
Came on after 69 minutes for Calvin Miller who picked up a hamstring injury. Fairly quiet in the game and didn’t do much of note. Scored his penalty.
Josh Kerr N/A
Came on for Hill with two minutes remaining as the game fizzled out to penalties.