Three lessons learned from Celtic’s 1-0 Europa League defeat

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Celtic bowed out of Europe last night following a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Valencia in the Mestalla.

The Hoops showed a lot of character in the tie having played with ten men from the 37th minute.

Kevin Gameiro’s winner in the 70th minute gave the La Liga outfit a 3-0 aggregate success, but Celtic can take pride in their showing.

Rodgers’ side will return to league comforts on Sunday when they face Motherwell at home.

Following last night’s slender defeat we looked at three things we learned about the Scottish Premiership side…

Celtic aren’t too far away in Europe

The Hoops were outplayed for large parts of the first leg at Celtic Park, but last night they were firmly in the contest.

It has been a while since Celtic went deep in a European tournament but this performance did enough to suggest that they aren’t a million miles away.

Landing top players is key.

With Brendan Rodgers in charge of the club, there is every reason to suggest that Celtic can land top players.

If the boss can secure two or three top-class additions during the summer then Celtic can go further next time around.

Foolish from Toljan

The 24-year-old joined Celtic on loan from Borussia Dortmund during the January transfer window.

He has looked the part in the games he has played for the club so far, but last night he let his boss down badly.

Overturning the first leg deficit was always going to be tough, but the challenge became thankless with a man less.

Toljan’s two yellow cards could have been prevented and his second one, in particular, left the referee with a decision to make.

The right-back owes his manager and team-mates one.

Full steam ahead domestically

Celtic can now turn their attention towards completing an unprecedented triple treble.

The chances of Rodgers’ men completing the feat look good.

The Scottish League Cup is already banked, whilst the Hoops are eight points clear at the top of the Premiership.

A tricky looking trip to Hibernian awaits in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup, but you wouldn’t back against Celtic.

Without the distraction of European football, the sole focus is now on making history. Again!