WHAT’S wrong with this picture? We posed the question in the headline.
The answer, quite simply, is EVERYTHING!
The score is standing at 1-1 and Celtic’s Europa League last-32 tie with FC Copenhagen is a mere five minutes away from extra-time. Odsonne Edouard had thrown his side a lifeline only two minutes earlier when he dinked in a penalty-kick to deadlock the aggregate at 2-2.
OUTNUMBERED…five FC Copenhagen players are in the Celtic penalty area as Pep Biel scores the second goal.
With a 60,000 audience at Parkhead you have got to fancy the Hoops’ chances of overwhelming their Danish opponents over an added-on half-hour. Then a pass out of defence from Christopher Jullien ricochets back when Tom Rogic fails to control it. The visitors react with incredible speed. Take another look at the image. There are FIVE FC Copenhagen players in the Celtic penalty box.
Facing them are four Hoops players and goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Suddenly, they are outnumbered in their own box and the inevitable happens when Pep Biel slides the ball under the unprotected last line of defence. With the clock ticking down, Neil Lennon’s men know they have to score two goals in the remaining few minutes to bring about a somersault in fortunes.
On this particular evening, it’s a task too far. The Danes net a third following another shambles from the rearguard that allows Dame N’Doye a free shot at goal and he gleefully accepts the gift.
Another harsh European lesson for the champions and another adventure derailed in the east end of Glasgow. There is no defence.
