Celtic 0-2 FC Twente – Despite a large crowd, the Hoops are frustrated with their Champions League performance.
Celtic’s UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign began in a dismal manner, with Van Dooren scoring at the end of either half to earn the Dutch Champions three points.
And, with Chelsea taking the points following a close 3-2 home victory over Real Madrid, Celtic find themselves at the foot of the league, with possibly their greatest opportunity to pick up points, on paper, already passed.
Celtic started aggressively but were unable to capitalise on their early pressure, with an amazing crowd of 2784 providing fantastic support to the Ghirls throughout the ninety-three minutes of Champions League play. The Celtic End came back and did not disappoint. Their ‘Come on, Ghirls in Green’ shout, which was echoed by the younger Celtic FC Women regular supporters, was both remarkable and entertaining.
The Dutch team sat back and relied on long balls to exploit Celtic’s perceived lack of speed. And, just as Celtic were feeling frustrated that a first-half advantage had not materialised, Kayleigh Van Dooren snuck in behind Caitlin Hayes and executed a brilliant lob, leaving Kelsey Daugherty isolated.
It was a nasty sucker blow, one that frequently seems to land for the Bhoys at this level, and it also occurred to Elena Sadiku’s gifted team. The Swedish head coach had a chance to recover the lead in the dressing room seconds later, and Celtic surged after the interval. Murphy Agnew had a tremendous shot for glory, but she couldn’t organize her feet, and the opportunity was squandered.
Celtic were always a danger at corners, but the Dutch had clearly done their study, and this route was also closed down for the Scottish Champions, who lost their first game of the season today.
Kayleigh Van Dooren added a second toward the finish, hammering home with genuine confidence and leaving Daugherty with little chance. FC Twente: game, set, match.
Finally, it was a close game in which the opening goal was always going to be crucial and, regrettably for Celtic, was won much too cheaply by the Dutch team minutes before halftime.
Celtic face Real Madrid away on Thursday, October 17 at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium.The Ghirls will go there and challenge them to a game. Elena Sadiku, who is quite confident, will also feel that her team can triumph in the Spanish capital. But for the time being, it’s the narrative of what could have been for Celtic in their first Champions League group stage campaign. They were competitive enough, but unfortunately dropped the opening goal and so the three points. Left with frustration rather than glory, the margins are acceptable at this level, but this team will return for more.
FC Twente were the superior team tonight, although the difference was little. Had we scored first…
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