Martin O’Neill remained defiant and insisted Celtic can nonetheless qualify for the Europa League knockout phases regardless of a bruising 4-1 defeat to Benfica.
Already reeling on the again of losses to LASK Linz and Ferencvaros over the previous couple of months, O’Neill’s aspect got one other brutal European lesson in Lisbon, a metropolis which holds such historic significance for the membership.
Celtic have now conceded essentially the most targets of any group on this season’s Europa League – and have shipped 12 of their final three European matches.
And not using a win or perhaps a level from their opening two video games, they fell behind after solely 5 minutes on the Estadio da Luz when Dane Murray gave away a penalty which was transformed by Benfica striker Jhon Duran.
Threatening to run riot each time they ventured ahead, Benfica have been 3-0 up by half-time thanks to a different purpose from Duran and one from Alexander Bah.
O’Neill had requested his gamers to channel the spirit of the Lisbon Lions of their efforts to trigger a shock.
O’Neill’s group fell to 4-1 defeat however he nonetheless feels they’ll qualify for knockout rounds
They fell a great distance brief however the supervisor claimed he was happy with his gamers for not capitulating and exhibiting some battle in a second half which noticed Camilo Duran pull a purpose again.
‘Very last thing you need to do is concede so early on,’ mentioned O’Neill, whose aspect now face an enormous recreation in opposition to Hearts on Sunday earlier than taking up Celta Vigo in Glasgow subsequent week.
‘We might’ve capitulated, however I assumed the second-half efficiency was terrific. We created likelihood after likelihood.
‘The second-half efficiency provides me the willpower. I feel we are able to nonetheless qualify. We are able to nonetheless do it. It’s not bravado on my half. I genuinely consider we are able to nonetheless do it.
‘We got here roaring again, the subs got here on and did brilliantly. We might’ve scored numerous targets. It modified as a result of two vast gamers actually wished to get at individuals.
‘I settle for on the break they (Benfica) might have scored themselves, as they did with their fourth purpose. However I assumed the second half was actually terrific.
The Celtic gamers look dejected after the ultimate whistle sounds in Lisbon on Thursday
‘I take nice encouragement from this and though we’ve misplaced two video games, I genuinely consider that we are able to make it.
‘Benfica are a really high-quality aspect. I feel they’ve spent about £100 million, they’re one of many favourites for the competitors.
‘We all know we are able to defend higher and hopefully we are able to look to eradicate that over the course of the season.
‘We might have crumbled after going 3-0 down, however we didn’t. We’ve got to take encouragement from that and use that second half efficiency going into Hearts on Sunday.’
Throughout O’Neill’s first stint as Celtic supervisor, the membership might maintain their very own within the Champions League and likewise reached a UEFA Cup Last.
It now appears like one other European season might be on the verge of taking place the drain after opening their account with two straight defeats.
Vangelis Pavlidis scores the fourth purpose for Benfica on a tricky night time for Celtic
Pressed on why there was such a decline within the membership’s European fortunes, O’Neill replied: ‘No, that’s a giant, massive query.
‘I haven’t seen all of the issues which have occurred during the last 20-odd years. What I do know is Benfica are a high-quality aspect, possibly unlucky to not be within the Champions League.
‘There are some critical groups within the Europa League. However, that apart, your query calls for an extended reply than I may give at this minute.’
In the meantime, Celtic skipper Callum McGregor admits the group have been architects of their very own downfall throughout a dismal first half.
‘It’s a disappointing consequence,’ mentioned McGregor. ‘We have been right here to get factors and win.
‘We have been enjoying in opposition to a extremely good aspect with with actually good high quality in closing third. First half we didn’t assist ourselves.
‘Second half we rating one, in all probability might rating one other. Little bit of a recreation of two halves.
‘Unforced errors result in the second and third targets and you’ve got a mountain to climb.
‘We all know at this degree in the event you don’t take care of the ball you’re going to get punished.’
