Ten-man Celtic slipped out of the Europa League in Valencia despite a brave away performance as Kevin Gameiro grabbed the only goal of the game.
Brendan Rodgers went with a changed shape for this one with three at the back and Jeremy Toljan and Jonny Hayes playing as wing-backs. This seemed to work early on as the Hoops were confident and purposeful in possession.
The first chance of the game fell to the visitors as Ryan Christie’s corner dropped nicely for Kristoffer Ajer to volley towards goal. His shot was blocked before he fired over with his second attempt.
Celtic continued their positive start past the half-hour mark when Oliver Burke closed down makeshift defender Francis Coquelin and looked to be through on goal, but his touch let him down.
However, the turning point in the game came 10 minutes before half-time when Toljan received his marching orders after two yellows for two pull-backs on the Valencia attackers, the second of which seemed a little harsh with the German on the ground.
With a man advantage, Valencia had the Hoops hemmed in and forced a couple of smart saves from Scott Bain.
Marcelino’s men came out firing in the second half with the opener looking likely with every attack, but Celtic stood firm in their defending.
Ajer then found himself on the end of another chance, perhaps the clearest of the game, as he beat the goalkeeper to Christie’s delivery but got too much on the header from just yards out.
After 70 minutes, the Celtic resistance was finally broken as a terrific cross-field pass picked out Daniel Wass in behind Hayes, who nodded for substitute Gameiro to poke home.
Celtic did the travelling support proud with a gutsy performance with 10 men for most of the game, but the damage was ultimately done last week in Glasgow.
Here’s how we rated the players after the 1-0 defeat.
Scott Bain: 7
Pulled off two smart saves before the break as he tipped over Dani Parejo’s deflected effort before pushing away a rasping volley from Santi Mina.
Was unlucky as Gameiro’s goal slipped past him but did well do deny Lee at the death.
Jeremy Toljan: 4
Only real involvement was picking up two bookings, giving his teammates a mountain to climb.
Jozo Simunovic: 7
Made some crucial blocks and interceptions on the stroke of half-time as the Spaniards pilled on the pressure.
Again showed his defensive instinct to clear brilliantly from under his bar early in the second period and was a rock at the back.
Dedryck Boyata: 6
A dreadful ball nearly allowed Valencia in to ruin Celtic’s good start before another poor ball to Ajer forced Toljan into a booking.
Needed to move the ball quicker throughout the game, although he did make a crucial last-ditch tackle to stop Gameiro.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
Had a great opportunity to open the scoring as his volley form a corner was blocked before the Dane blazed over at the second attempt.
Really should have scored in the second half too with his close range header sailing over.
Was forced into right-back after the red card and had a good battle with Guedes in a tireless performance.
Jonny Hayes: 7
Gave his all on just his sixth start all season at left wing-back and was positive in the first half.
Was forced back after the sending off but defended to the best of his ability before tiring towards the end.
Scott Brown: 7
Started strongly on the ball and was brave in possession, but saw a yellow card brandished after 25 minutes for a late tackle on Guedes.
Took the ball well in the second period and got back to defend at critical times.
Callum McGregor: 5
Moved the ball well in the first half but struggled, along with his teammates, to retain it in the second half.
James Forrest: 5
Struggled to get into the game in an unfamiliar position, playing just off the centre forward.
Replaced by Odsonne Edouard after an hour.
Ryan Christie: 6
Great delivery to set up two chances for Ajer and put in a good shift.
Couldn’t find his creativity in the final third, though.
Oliver Burke: 6
Showed his searing pace to get in behind the defence in the initial stages but struggled for options when he got into the Valencia box.
Was probably too fast for his teammates to get up in support.
(SUB) Odsonne Edouard: 5
Replaced James Forrest and went up front but couldn’t get involved in proceedings as the game slipped away.
(SUB) Mikey Johnston: 6
Did well to take the ball and move forward in the closing stages.