Celtic are the first British side to go winless in 15 consecutive Champions League games after yet another defeat in Group E at the hands of Lazio.
Celtic continue search for first Champions League win since 2017 vs Anderlecht
The reigning Scottish Premiership champions were handed their fourth loss in five Group E games in the Italian capital of Rome, losing 2-0 thanks to a late double from star striker Ciro Immobile.
Celtic’s singular point of the campaign came in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid last month, but Brendan Rodgers’ side have failed to build on that result.
Lazio’s win ensures that they will progress into the knockout stages of the Champions League after Christmas, whilst Celtic are set to drop out of Europe entirely.
The defeat means Celtic can no longer finish third in their group which would’ve led to a spot in the Europa League – their final game at home vs Feyenoord is simply dead rubber.
Celtic become the first British side in history to go 15 games without a win in the Champions League 😳 pic.twitter.com/9v7AawxOL1
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2023
Celtic’s recent European history worsens as club drop out in group stage for second straight year
In recent years, Celtic’s struggles in Europe have become prominent. The club are a far cry from the dominant force they were in 1967, when the Hoops became the first British side to win the European Cup.
The Bhoys were knocked out in the groups last season too and fell to defeat in the knockout round play-offs of the Europa Conference League in 2021/22.
Celtic haven’t reached the knockout stages of any European competition since 2019/20, when they faced Copenhagen in the round of 32 in the Europa League after topping Group E.
The Glaswegians have some way to go to return to what they once were and supporters have been increasingly critical of the club’s European results in past seasons – justifyingly.
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