Celtic manager Neil Lennon expressed huge disappointment after his side suffered a humiliating 3-1 home defeat at the hands of FC Copenhagen and thus got themselves out of the Europa League, as per the Irish Independent.
The Bhoys had a big opportunity to progress further in the competition after they earned a 1-1 draw at the Parken stadium, but it was Ståle Solbakken’s side who grabbed the opener at Celtic Park through substitute Michael Santos in the second half.
For the Hoops fans, hopes were briefly revived when striker Odsonne Edouard equalized in the 82nd minute, however, midfielder Pep Biel struck three minutes later to restore the visitors’ lead.
Then, Dame N’Doye added a third goal in the 87th minute to complete the humiliation for Neil Lennon’s side.
The 48-year-old manager later said:
“It was an opportunity lost.
“Copenhagen didn’t have to work hard to get goals, that was so frustrating and not like us at all.
“I am hugely disappointed. We shot ourselves in the foot.
“We had total control of game in first half, I don’t remember Fraser Forster having anything to do of note.
“We hit the post and I was pretty pleased at half time and then we made mistakes and gave them oxygen and encouragement.
“We had to change the shape to get back into the game and deservedly got back in but we didn’t manage the game, we shot ourselves in foot for second goal and that was the big moment of the tie.
“Individual mistakes cost us and that’s the nuts and bolts of it.
“It was a great opportunity and we let it go. It was bitterly disappointing in the manner we lost.”
Meanwhile, Rangers have progressed to the Round of 16 after Ryan Kent’s second-half goal gave them a 4-2 aggregate victory against Portuguese side Braga.
Steven Gerrard’s side were buoyed after their dramatic victory over Micael Sequeira’s side in the first leg at Ibrox stadium when they made a huge comeback after conceding two initial goals.
