A challenging night unfolded for Celtic in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, where a 2-0 defeat to Lazio extinguished their aspirations for European football beyond the festive season. The match, which remained evenly poised for the most part, turned dramatically in the final ten minutes, courtesy of Ciro Immobile’s decisive brace.
Celtic’s performance, particularly in the latter stages of the game, left much to be desired, a sentiment echoed by manager Brendan Rodgers in his post-match reflection. Speaking to Celtic TV, Rodgers expressed his disappointment, highlighting the team’s initial cautious approach and missed opportunities.
“We were too safe with our passing in the first half” Rodgers told the Celtic Website. “Though there were a couple of chances,”
He observed an improvement in the second half, with the team looking more assertive and controlling the game more effectively. “As the match progressed, we seemed to be the stronger side, especially in the last 20 minutes,” he added.
Celtic’s Hyun-Jun Yang in action with Lazio’s Luis Alberto REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
Despite these improvements, Celtic’s downfall was precipitated by two lapses in defence. Rodgers lamented the first goal, which arose from a failure to reorganise defensively, leading to Immobile capitalising on a fortuitous deflection. The second goal further compounded Celtic’s woes, with Rodgers noting the team’s need for greater resilience in such crucial phases of the match.
The first goal, particularly, was a turning point, coming just as Celtic appeared to be gaining the upper hand. This shift in momentum was a critical factor in the outcome of the game. Rodgers emphasised the importance of physicality and the necessity of engaging in the ‘dirty work’ of football, especially in the closing stages of such high-stakes matches.
“We looked poised to dominate the aggressive areas on the field, so the way we conceded was especially disappointing,” Rodgers concluded.
The defeat in Rome is a significant setback for Celtic, not just in terms of their European campaign but also in the broader context of the team’s development under Rodgers. The focus now shifts to domestic challenges and the lessons learned from this European experience.
