Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has expressed defiance following his side's 4-1 Europa League defeat by Benfica, insisting they can still reach the knockout stages. The loss in Lisbon on Thursday marks Celtic's fourth defeat in their last five games, including both European outings and both meetings with Rangers this term.
Despite the heavy defeat, O'Neill chose to focus on the second-half performance, stating, "We could've capitulated, but I thought the second-half performance was terrific. We created chance after chance." He added, "The second-half performance gives me the determination... I think we can still qualify. We can still do it."
Celtic captain Callum McGregor admitted the team's first-half errors contributed to their downfall. "First half we didn't help ourselves," he told TNT Sports. "Unforced errors lead to the second and third goals and you have a mountain to climb."
The club's record signing, Kasper Hogh, was substituted at half-time, having failed to score in 10 of his 11 appearances since his summer move from Bodo/Glimt. Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan suggested that Jhon Duran, who scored Celtic's goal, posed a greater threat than Hogh.