As meaningful Champions League progress arrives, the unfortunate reality for Celtic supporters is that they may not have the opportunity to see their team compete in person at the next stage.
A suspended ban on selling tickets for an away fixture in Europe was previously issued in response to fireworks being lit during the heavy defeat at Borussia Dortmund. If the smoke bomb thrown onto the pitch at Villa Park during the celebrations for Adam Idah’s first goal triggers that sanction, Celtic fans will be absent from the upcoming matches in Munich or Madrid. Everything depends on the report submitted by the UEFA delegate at the game, with the club hoping for leniency.
Despite the result, Celtic can approach the playoff tie with confidence, having shown resilience in response to Aston Villa’s early dominance. The home side deserved their victory, but Celtic’s performance displayed a growing maturity at Europe’s elite level. Making the game a tense contest after a difficult start is a sign of progress. The players received warm applause at full-time from the remaining supporters, recognizing a campaign that yielded 12 points and included several memorable performances. For too long, the team had been little more than an easy target in European competition.
“The word that comes to me right now is pride,” said the manager. “After the second goal, there is a question asked of you. To take the game right to injury time, with it in the balance, was a great effort by the players.”
In Dortmund, the match had already been lost by half-time. Villa’s wastefulness in front of goal helped Celtic stay in the contest, but the visitors also showed composure and courage, even before Idah brought them back into it. His second goal came after a well-constructed attacking move. At 2-0 down, the manager took advantage of a stoppage to deliver an impromptu touchline talk, which seemed to have a positive effect.
The timing of the fixture worked in Villa’s favor, as Celtic were missing key players. Their most influential defender was out injured, while their energetic forward was suspended. A major attacking departure in recent days further weakened the squad. However, Idah’s composed finishing suggested he could become a more significant figure in the team than he has been since arriving in the summer. His overall performance troubled the Villa defense, and the praise from the manager when he was substituted late in the match was fully deserved. By that stage, younger and fringe players were on the pitch, reflecting the bigger picture.
The positive aspect for the club is that there is significant room for improvement. Key players will return from injury, and the potential arrival of a top-level defender from Arsenal would be a major boost. Concerns over his injury history are valid, but his talent and versatility far outweigh those worries. A former key attacker, unavailable for the Villa game, will further strengthen the squad once fit. Given the club’s resources, reinforcements in the forward line are also likely.
The challenge of European competition continues to highlight the gap between domestic and international opposition. Some resist pointing out the lower standard of Scottish football, as if it diminishes the club’s success, but the reality is clear. Defensive lapses against elite teams are punished in ways that domestic opponents cannot replicate. This emphasizes the difficulty in adapting to the higher level of play required in the Champions League. Nevertheless, finishing above major clubs in the group stage and matching the points total of a historic giant of the competition signals real progress.
“We have built a really good foundation over these eight games,” the manager reflected. “We have qualified on merit. Aston Villa hadn’t conceded a goal at home in the Champions League. We learnt from Dortmund, got over the setback. Real Madrid or Bayern Munich will be a huge challenge, but we are building confidence at this level. We can make it tough for the top teams.” While neither of those giants will be overly concerned about facing Celtic, they will at least take notice. The team’s development in the Champions League, evident once again at Villa Park, ensures that.
