Celtic did themselves proud against Valencia.
Celtic had no goals to show for their efforts but they can be proud of their performance at the Mestalla.
Brendan Rodgers’ side came into the Europa League last 32 second leg 2-0 down on aggregate.
Their tough task got harder after Celtic right-back Jeremy Toljan was handed a red card for his second booking in the first half.
This changed the game and Valencia went on to win 1-0, with Kevin Gameiro netting a second half winner.
Valencia boss Marcelino had praise for Celtic’s efforts, and conceded they were the better team before the red card.
He told Spanish outlet Super Deporte: “We are satisfied with having passed the tie as expected, although the first 35 minutes I liked rather little.
“It is logical because when you have such a favourable result of the first game, 0-2, in the second you always tend to relax.
“To that possible relaxation, in that time Celtic was superior and, after the expulsion, we were clear dominating and deserving of the triumph.”
Marcelino’s comments underline how much the red card changed the game.
Celtic will be left wondering what might have been.
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