Celtic exited the Europa League at the round of 32 stage as Valencia defeated them with a 3-0 aggregate victory.
The Hoops headed to Spain hoping for a minor miracle as they looked to overturn the 2-0 deficit that had been put in place by Marcelino’s side in the first leg at Celtic Park last week.
After a strong start to the match, Brendan Rodgers saw his team falter after being reduced to 10 men. Jeremy Toljan was given his marching orders for two yellow cards in the first half.
Celtic turned in a resilient defensive display, but Valencia clinched a 1-0 victory as Kevin Gameiro’s goal was enough to ease them into the final 16 of the Europa League.
Both legs have proven to be learning curves for the Hoops, and Rodgers will take encouragement from the spirit displayed from his team at the Mestalla.
Here are four findings from Celtic’s narrow defeat at La Liga side Valencia.
Toljan is proving problematic
Jeremy Toljan arrived from Borussia Dortmund with a good reputation but has not impressed in a Celtic shirt. His start to life in Scotland has hardly convinced, and he made Celtic’s task even harder at Valencia with two unnecessary bookings.
The second yellow was somewhat harsh, but his lack of focus has been frustrating. He must improve.
Bain impressed despite defeat
Scott Bain was a busy man at the Mestalla and played well. He was called into action often but kept the scoreline down as Valencia piled on the pressure.
Craig Gordon has a big task on his hands if he is to displace the goalkeeper…
Burke needs support in big games
Oliver Burke was rather isolated at times against Valencia. His quality is unquestionable, but he is not capable of creating and converting chances alone.
He was often without support when breaking away and was in desperate need of players on the same wavelength as him.
Celtic made to pay for missed chances
Celtic were pegged back by Valencia for large periods but still had opportunities, namely from set-pieces, to influence the match.
Chances in games against opponents of high calibre are few and far between, and the Hoops must work to convert these to avoid drawing blanks in European fixtures in the future.