Celtic succumbed to just their second home defeat of the season as they lost 2-0 to Valencia. The Hoops will need to play out of their skins now in the second leg if they hope to qualify into the next stage of the Europa League.
The home side looked confident in possession to start with but lacked penetration in the final third. Nevertheless, it seemed like they were ready to be patient to earn their chances on the night. However, Valencia improved as the game went on and they scored the first goal on the counter just before the half time.
Denis Cheryshev turned into the provider for the second goal after scoring the first. The Spanish side completely dominated the second half after going 2-0 up. Celtic’s shoulders had dropped, and the La Liga opponents romped towards a comfortable victory in the end.
Here is how Rodgers’ men fared
Scott Bain 5
His spectacular run of having 12 clean sheets in a row came to an end. Couldn’t have done much for any of the goals. Looked composed on the ball and made a very good save from Parejo’s header in the first half.
Dedryck Boyata 5
Looked confident for the most parts but had a few lapses in concentration which created some good moments for the away side.
Jozo Simunovic 4.5
Could be blamed for the second goal as he wasn’t able to deal with the cross. A killer blow for the home side as they allowed Valencia to double their lead soon after the first half.
Jeremy Toljan 6
Did a decent job down the right as he made some crucial interceptions. However, he struggled to carry the ball from the deep areas on quite a few occasions.
Emilio Izaguirre 4
Poor game for the left back, and Rodgers missed Kieran Tierney big time. Started well but made too many mistakes as the game went on. Defensively as well as while on the ball, the 32-year-old was found wanting.
Scott Brown 5
A poor decision from the captain led to the second goal. Apart from that, he was decent and looked bright in the first 20 minutes.
Callum McGregor 6
Couldn’t influence the play much as he failed to get on the ball in dangerous areas. Just took one decent goal attempt early on.
Ryan Christie 4.5
He was subbed early as he failed to have any impact on the pitch. His movement, touches and flicks didn’t trouble the opponents at all as they were well organised.
James Forrest 5
Made a few incisive runs but had a forgetful game overall as he failed to create a magic moment in the final third.
Scott Sinclair 5.5
Like most of his team-mates, started brightly but faded as the game went on. Couldn’t really do much to go past a very organised Valencia side who were in control of the game even without possession.
Oliver Burke 5
Nothing went his way as he hardly had any influence on the tie. His touches seemed to be off whenever Celtic managed to involve him in their build up.
Substitutes
Odsonne Edouard 5
Lacked the cutting edge after coming on in the second half.
Timothy Weah 5.5
Had a few bright moments after being subbed in but had too much to do by the time he came on the pitch.
