This week presented a tough test in Europe for the Scottish sides, as Rangers hosted Italian giants AS Roma, who remained strong favourites despite the Gers uptick in form.
Elsewhere, Celtic took on FC Midtjylland, who find themselves top of the Danish Superliga and Europa League, whilst Aberdeen travelled to Cyprus to face AEK Larnaca.
Hopes were higher for each team, with Celtic rejuvenated under Martin O’Neill’s stewardship and Rangers already showing big signs of improvement under new boss Danny Rohl, whilst Aberdeen were off the back of an away win at Rugby Park.
Celtic overwhelmed in Herning
Martin O’Neill was handed his first loss since returning as Hoops boss as Midtjylland brushed them aside 3-1.
The 73-year-old stated prior to game that he knew it’d be a tough test, however even he would’ve been stunned by the home sides dominance in the opening half.
The Danes had to wait until the 33rd minute to get the breakthrough, coming through Martin Erlić when he rose high above Kieran Tierney to head into the Celtic net.
A second goal came just two minutes later as Mikel Gogorza drove past Anthony Ralston and Arne Engles to wrap the ball into the bottom corner.
Celtic looked shocked and stunned, and their night only got worse when Franculino Djú produced a smart finish from the edge of the box to cement the Danes advantage.
The Hoops managed to limit the damage in the second half, and even got a goal back after Reo Hatate converted from the spot, although the second 45 wasn’t without bad news as last weekend’s derby hero Callum Osmand was stretchered off with a suspected hamstring injury.
This result leaves Celtic out of the qualifying places at the midpoint of the campaign, leaving Martin O’Neill – or whoever is in the dugout – with work to do.
Roma comfortable at Ibrox as Rangers still winless
Back in Glasgow, Rangers were easily dealt with by AS Roma of Italy, who handed the Gers their 7th consecutive loss in European competition.
Despite the hosts starting brightly, it was Roma who struck first when Matias Soule got the final touch on a corner to push the ball into the Rangers net.
Rangers did have a chance just minutes later to level things, as Youssef Chermiti looked to capitalise on a defensive mix up, however his shot could only fly past the wrong side of the post.
From here on the visitors took real control of the game, keeping possession and threatening to increase their advantage, only being thwarted by Jack Butland.
The Italians would get their deserved second goal 10 minutes before the break when experienced midfielder Lorenzo Pelligrini rolled the ball into the bottom corner to complete a tidy Roma move.
Booed off at the break, the Gers came out in the second half stronger and threatened Mile Svilar in the Roma goal, but still lacked in the way of clear cut chances to get back into the game.
This defeat leaves Rangers rooted to the bottom of the Europa League table, and it leaves Danny Rohl with a mountain to climb if they have any hope of reaching the knockout stages.
Aberdeen earn first Conference League point
Aberdeen travelled to Cyprus to face AEK Larnaca and came away with a 0-0 draw, their first point of the UEFA Europa Conference League campaign.
After an embarrassing 6-0 defeat in Athens last time out, the Dons required a much better result if they had any hope of European progression.
The hosts had chances in the first half, most notably centre-back Hrvoje Milicevic hitting the post with a powerful strike.
Aberdeen had a few half chances of their own, coming through Jack Milne and Jesper Karlsson, but they never really threatened to take the lead.
Both sides had chances to win it at the death, but ultimately the game fizzled out to a goalless draw, keeping AEK Larnaca unbeaten and Aberdeen winless.
While the result may not sparkle, the disciplined performance offers a glimmer of hope for Jimmy Thelin’s men.
The Dons were resolute defensively, held on even when under pressure, and can take comfort in having ended their wait for a point at this level.
Featured Image Credit: DaHuzyBru via Wikimedia Commons
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