HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT: Phillipe Clements reaction as Celtic face one of UCL heavy defeat to Dormund with Brendan Rodgers Post Match interview speaks alot what next to Face.
After a run of nine consecutive victories, Celtic’s optimism was shattered by a dominant Dortmund side, who delivered a ruthless first-half performance that left the Scottish champions reeling.
Brendan Rodgers had expressed confidence in his players before the match, but they were unable to handle a Dortmund team determined to show their class at the highest level of European football.
**Dortmund dismantle Celtic repeatedly**
Emre Can opened the scoring just seven minutes in after Kasper Schmeichel fouled Jamie Gittens in the box, conceding a penalty. Celtic responded quickly, showing resilience as Arne Engels whipped in a perfect cross from the right, allowing Daizen Maeda to finish from close range.
However, Dortmund regained their lead almost immediately. Karim Adeyemi exploited a wide-open Celtic defense, scoring with the help of a deflection off Auston Trusty. Things only got worse for the visitors as Adeyemi added two more goals, while Serhour Guirassy converted another penalty, putting Dortmund up 5-1 at halftime.
The second half offered little relief for Celtic. Despite a slower pace, Guirassy extended Dortmund’s lead in the 66th minute before substitute Felix Nmecha sealed a 7-1 rout.
**Celtic fans familiar with European struggles**
Celtic supporters have witnessed similar collapses in Europe before. There had been hope that this time would be different, but the performance in Dortmund was as difficult to endure as past heavy defeats to Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona.
Despite constant discussions about learning and improving, nothing seems to change. Rodgers continues to employ risky, all-out tactics, and his players often display the same lack of awareness in key moments.
While it’s true that Dortmund are superior in both resources and talent, Celtic should still have been better prepared. Tonight, they simply weren’t.
Individual errors, reckless penalties, and a loose, open defense were all too familiar flaws at this level. Celtic are capable of much more, but their poor showing combined with Dortmund’s red-hot form spelled disaster.
**Hope remains for Celtic’s European campaign**
Despite the dismal result and the inevitable backlash from fans and pundits, there’s still plenty to play for in the tournament. With six matches remaining, each game offers new opportunities, even with tough fixtures against Atalanta and RB Leipzig looming.
While tonight’s game will be one to forget, Celtic must carefully assess what went wrong and how they can improve. Taking a heavy defeat like this can be a harsh learning experience, but it’s crucial to move forward with those lessons in mind.