Celtic could only manage a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk once again, despite dominating this game as well, just like the reverse fixture in Poland. The result means that the Hoops are now out of European competitions altogether for the season, with their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League through a third place finish in the group over. They will be bottom, no matter what happens on the final matchday.
Interestingly, Celtic were not terrible in the competition. On the contrary, they could have won both games vs Shakhtar Donetsk, and did enough to potentially take points against Real Madrid and RB Leipzig.
What let them down though is their finishing, which was terrible to be very honest. They let chance after chance go, and it is remarkable that they have scored just thrice in the group stage in five games. Based on the opportunities they had, they should be in the double digits.
Chris Sutton blamed the ‘missed opportunities’ for Celtic’s European exit and described their finishing as ‘bang average’, even though he seems to be impressed with what Ange Postecoglou is building as he tweeted:
Well done to Shakhtar Donetsk. Celtic out of Europe. Missed opportunities did for Celtic in the Champions League this season. Some good performances. Good chances created but bang average finishing. But I like what Ange Postecoglou is building🍀
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) October 25, 2022
Sutton gives brutally honest assessment as Celtic crash out of Europe
Sutton was pretty much spot on with his verdict on Celtic’s European struggles this season. The fans must keep faith in the project though.
The performances showed that this team can compete at this level. Where they were lacking is in the final third of the pitch and also their lack of experience when it comes to playing at this level.
That will hopefully come with time. Perhaps the first half performance against Real Madrid raised hopes way too high. At the end of the day, it is important to remember that not too long ago, this team had finished 25 points behind the Rangers in the Premiership and trophyless. Last season, they had crashed out of three European competitions. Since then, they have progressed a lot and are moving in the right direction.