Ange Postecoglou's dream of Celtic competing in the Champions League beyond the World Cup was ended after the Hoops lost 2-0 at home to RB Leipzig on Tuesday night.
And it was to be a familiar theme for Postecoglou's men as they spurred numerous chances before Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg wrapped up the points during the final 15 minutes to keep Celtic at the foot of Group F. Several players have reflected on the result since the full time whistle blew with fine margins at the top level a key takeaway.
Cameron Carter-Vickers took to Instagram to reflect on what he deemed a "special" moment as he captained the Hoops in the absence of Callum McGregor. He wrote: "Disappointing result last night but a special moment to lead the team out in front of our fans! Hard work continues!"
The USA defender wasn't the only one to voice their feelings on social media. Joe Hart also used Instagram to share an image of him in action against the Bundesliga outfit as he rued the latest European lesson It read: "Fine margins at the top level. Refocus, learn and go again. Support was special and much appreciated. #COYBIG."
While Greg Taylor told the media after the match that the result was "sickening" as he reflected on hitting the woodwork during the clash. He said: “I probably could’ve caught it a bit cleaner, but it came off the bar and then it doesn’t fall for us. But that’s what this level is, we’re a bit deflated to be fair.
“I thought we were looking good at that spell and again for periods right throughout the game. Maybe they started the night stronger and finished a bit stronger, but certainly that middle chunk we were right in that game, which is the sickening part.”
Finally James Forrest, who replaced the injured Liel Abada shortly before half time on Tuesday, reckoned that the difference was that RB Leipzig were clinical as he praised the character of his side. "I think the boys did really well throughout the game,” Forrest told Celtic TV. “Even when we went 1-0 behind, I thought we showed character and we were just unlucky.
“We created a lot of chances and I thought the boys gave everything. The quality was there but obviously they were just more clinical with the chances they got and took a couple of them.”
Celtic have now failed to win in their last eight games in the competition but securing a long shot Europa League spot by finishing in third in the group will still be the next target for the Scottish Premiership champions. Their remaining Champions League fixtures see them host Shakhtar before a mouthwatering trip to the Santiago Bernabeu on the final match day.
