Midtjylland Shock Celtic as Forest Struggle in Europa League Night
It was quite a dramatic night in the Europa League, with contrasting fortunes for British sides. Celtic’s promising European journey under Martin O’Neill came crashing to a halt in Denmark, while Nottingham Forest battled hard but couldn’t find a breakthrough in Austria.
Celtic’s trip to Jutland turned into a nightmare as they were beaten 3-1 by Midtjylland. The Scottish champions started brightly — Johnny Kenny even tested the home keeper within the first half-minute — but that was as good as it got for them for quite some time. The Danish side completely took over, showing why they’re topping their Europa League group against all odds this season.
Kasper Schmeichel, back in Denmark and marking his 39th birthday, did everything he could to keep Celtic in it. He pulled off a string of fine saves early on, including one at point-blank range from Cho Gue-sung. But eventually, the pressure was just too much. Midtjylland’s Martin Erlic broke the deadlock, nodding in a looping cross after Celtic failed to clear their lines. Moments later, Mikel Gogorza sneaked between defenders and doubled the lead with a low drive that left Schmeichel stranded.
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And before Celtic could even regroup, the home side made it three. From a long throw, Djú — the exciting young forward from Guinea-Bissau — curled in his 18th goal of the season with a stunning finish. By half-time, the match looked beyond Celtic’s reach.
A glimmer of hope came when 19-year-old Callum Osmand, introduced at the break, won a late penalty that Reo Hatate converted. But heartbreak struck again when the youngster went down injured soon after, stretchered off in tears. It summed up the kind of evening Celtic endured — full of effort, but little reward.
Martin O’Neill admitted afterward that his side had been outclassed, saying, “We conceded two goals within a minute and the game just slipped away. The goals were poor to give away, but they’re a very fine side.”
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest were left frustrated after a goalless draw against Sturm Graz in Austria. They controlled large parts of the game, especially in the first half, but couldn’t make their chances count. Morgan Gibbs-White had a golden opportunity from the penalty spot, only to see his effort saved by goalkeeper Oliver Christensen.
The second half turned scrappy, with few clear chances for either team, though Nicolás DomÃnguez almost snatched a late winner when his powerful shot rattled the crossbar in stoppage time. Sean Dyche’s men remain unbeaten away in Europe, but they’ll feel they should have taken all three points.
So, on a night when Midtjylland announced themselves as serious contenders, Celtic were left licking their wounds, and Forest walked away wondering what might have been. The Europa League drama, as always, delivered its share of twists and heartbreak.
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