Celtic’s European Hangover: A Wake-Up Call After Champions League Heroics
Celtic, fresh from their valiant performance against European giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League, found themselves dealing with a significant hangover upon their return to domestic action. On Saturday, the Scottish champions traveled to face Hibernian, a team they were expected to dominate, but the match turned out to be a unexpected and sobering encounter. Despite the lingering energy and enthusiasm from their midweek battle, Celtic struggled to find their rhythm, and their performance was a stark contrast to the resilience and determination they displayed against Bayern.
Hibernian’s Early Dominance: Josh Campbell’s Double Strikes
Hibernian, playing at home, took full advantage of Celtic’s sluggish start. The home side quickly seized the initiative and surged ahead with two goals in quick succession, both scored by forward Josh Campbell. Campbell, who has been in impressive form, made the most of his opportunities, striking with precision and confidence. His first goal came from a well-executed play, where he capitalized on a defensive lapse by Celtic, and his second was a testament to his clinical finishing. These early strikes not only silenced the visiting team but also injected a wave of confidence and momentum into Hibernian’s ranks.
Celtic’s Fightback: Daizen Maeda’s Heroic Effort
Despite the early setbacks, Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, and his players refused to capitulate. The team gradually started to regain their composure and mounted a fightback. Daizen Maeda, the Japanese international, played a crucial role in this effort. His close-range scuffed shot managed to find the back of the net, providing Celtic with a glimmer of hope and a lifeline to stay in the match. Maeda’s goal was a mix of skill and a bit of luck, but it was enough to spark a resurgence from the champions.
VAR Controversy: A Cruel Denial for Maeda
Celtic’s momentum was abruptly halted by a controversial VAR decision shortly after Maeda’s goal. The Japanese forward thought he had scored again, this time with a more composed finish, as Alistair Johnston seemed to have crossed the ball in perfectly. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened, ruling the effort out due to the ball being fractionally over the line when Johnston made his cross. This decision was a bitter pill for Celtic to swallow, as it robbed them of a crucial second goal and a potential equalizer. The team’s frustration was palpable, and it visibly affected their play in the remaining minutes.
The Aftermath: A Rare Defeat in a Dominant Season
The defeat marked only the second loss of the season for Celtic, who have been in stellar form and currently lead their rivals Rangers by a commanding 13 points in the Scottish Premiership. While this loss is certainly a setback, it is important to note that the gap at the top of the table remains substantial. Celtic’s recent European engagements have taken a toll on their squad, and the match against Hibernian highlighted the challenges of balancing such a grueling schedule. Rodgers and his players will need to refocus and regroup quickly to ensure that this rare slip-up does not become a trend.
Looking Ahead: A Time for Reflection and Rebuilding
As Celtic reflects on this disappointing result, the emphasis will be on learning from the mistakes and using the experience to strengthen the team for future challenges. The squad’s performance against Bayern Munich showcased their potential on the continent, but the setback against Hibernian serves as a reminder that they must remain razor-sharp in all competitions. Rodgers will likely make adjustments to the lineup and tactics to ensure that the team can maintain their high standards in both domestic and European matches. The road ahead is long, and Celtic’s fans and the team itself are hopeful that this minor setback will only serve to propel them forward with renewed vigor.
