Premiership giants Celtic faced their second defeat of this season’s edition of the Europa League after falling to a 4-1 loss to Sparta Prague to crash to the bottom of their group. Having lost to AC Milan and drawn against Lille, this defeats means that they’re yet to pick up a victory in the tournament so far. The Hoops were the dominant side in the tie for a majority of the fixture, but a host of poor defensive decisions seemingly undid them. Also, don’t forget that this was a second-string Sparta Prague as they were missing most of their first team regulars. Second half substitute Leigh Griffiths scored their only goal of the match, in what proved to be nothing more than a consolation in the end.
Here Are The Celtic Player Ratings Vs Sparta Prague:
Celtic Player Ratings Vs Sparta Prague
Scott Bain – 6
The keeper couldn’t really have done too much about any of the away side’s goals and made a couple of important stops over the course of the ninety as well. Surely can’t be blamed for the defeat.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6.5
Did well to get up and down the flank despite being harried by the opposition attackers. Tracked back when required to and offered himself well in attack. His energy was important to the Hoops’ attacking play.
Shane Duffy – 3
The Irishman’s horror run of fixtures at the heart of defence continued for the Hoops as he let his man pass too easily on too many occasions, with the most notable one coming ahead of the away side’s third goal.
Nir Bitton – 5.5
The centre-half cut a sorry figure every time the Prague attackers charged at him, as he looked flustered for most of the tie. Should’ve done a better job dealing with crosses into the area as well.
Diego Laxalt – 6.5
The Milan loanee was, far and away, the Hoops’ best player on the pitch tonight. Made some good forays forward and delivered numerous dangerous crosses into the area over the ninety as well.
Scott Brown – 4.5
The skipper’s run of questionable outings in the middle of the park continued tonight as he struggled to have any sort of effect on proceedings. Too many sideways passes and was correctly taken off.
Callum McGregor – 4.5
The midfielder was unable to gain any sort of control in the middle of the park, and when he did, he failed to find the required degree of penetration. Should’ve stood stronger ahead of the away side’s second goal.
Tom Rogic – 5
The midfielder, despite showing the odd good touch in the central areas of the pitch, struggled to really impact the tie when it mattered. It was his effort that eventually led to Griffiths’ goal though.
Ryan Christie – 6
The attacker was deployed in the wide role once again tonight, and his lack of comfort playing in that position was apparent to see. Played a special pass to open up the chance for Elyounoussi early on though.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 6
The Southampton loanee came closest to scoring in the first half as a stretched effort came off the Prague cross-bar. Tried to make things happen in the final third but not everything he attempted worked.
Odsonne Edouard – 5
Showed the odd glimpse of quality in the early knockings of the tie but couldn’t provide the inspiration that Celtic needed from him tonight. The lack of end product in the attack was nothing short of appalling.
Substitutes
Leigh Griffiths – 6.5
The substitute scored the Hoops’ only goal of the night, and he attempted to create openings for teammates as well, albeit to no effect.
Hatem Abd Elhamed – 6
Thrown on around the hour mark and tried to link up the play. Wasn’t able to create too much after entering the fray though.
Albian Ajeti – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Olivier Ntcham – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
