There is a reason why FC Midtjylland sit at the top of the Europa League. Unfortunately, Celtic learned that lesson the hard way. Going into the game, which was an away one, there was a quiet confidence around this team after their Glasgow Derby win at the weekend. But it quickly became clear that the Danish side are a different kettle of fish compared to the Rangers.
Martin O'Neill has done very well since returning as Celtic manager. He is no magician, though. And this team clearly does not have enough to be competing with Midtjylland right now.
The last time the two teams met, Celtic lost 3-2 on aggregate. Back then, it was considered an upset. Judging from what we saw this week though, there is a clear difference between the two these days and the Hoops are not even close.
That has to do with the club rather than any player or manager. They simply have not been good enough it terms of their recruitment or adjusting to the needs of the modern game.
'Embarrassing' - Celtic fans slam two players for performance vs Midtjylland
A lot of players deserved criticism for their performance against Midtjylland. But Benjamin Nygren and Anthony Ralston were heavily criticised for their displays in particular. One fan wrote: "Make Nygren walk home."
Another Celtic supporter added about their shortcomings in the game against FC Midtjylland this week: "Get Nygren and Ralston off."
Another said: "Game over. Embarrassing. Ralston and Forrest starting in Europe in 2025 is a farce."
Well, it would be safe to say that things did not go according to plan for Celtic this evening. The only thing they can do is move on from it rather than dwell on this result for too long. They simply were not on the level of the Danish side and that is it. There are no two ways about it.