"After a painful play-off defeat to Kairat Almaty ended hopes of participating in the elite competition again this season, the Scottish champions - after much criticism - were consigned to the Europa League. Their return to the second-tier competition was initially an impotent one, but the introduction of goalscorer Kelechi Iheanacho ignited their play and provided what Rodgers called "a great platform" of a first point."
"From feeling "the most ready" for a crack at the Champions League one year ago to requesting "realism" in the Europa League, what is Celtic's European landscape looking like now? Had this draw in the raucous Marakana been in the Champions League, the praise may have been piling in. But while Celtic were enduring their calamity in Almaty, Red Star were left red-faced by Cypriot champions Pafos in the play-off."
""We are where we are. This is a good point for this group of players.""
Celtic were relegated to the Europa League after a play-off defeat to Kairat Almaty ended Champions League qualification hopes. The Europa return began poorly but the introduction of Kelechi Iheanacho revived the attack and earned a point in a hostile Marakana. Red Star Belgrade also arrived following their own play-off embarrassment, generating fan discontent and many empty seats despite intimidating signage. Teenage right-back Colby Donovan and winger Sebastian Tounekti provided fresh energy and attacking moments on European debuts. The result suggests a recalibration of expectations as the club integrates new and younger players in the second-tier competition.
Read at www.bbc.com
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