SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 27 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
CL
Europa League | Round of 32
Feb 14, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
VL

0-2

 
FT(HT: 0-1)
Cheryshev (42'), Sobrino (49')

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic still have hope of qualifying

:Headline: Brendan Rodgers says Celtic still have hope of qualifying: ID:350386: from db_amp
The Hoops have it all to do in Spain next week.

Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic still retain hope of progressing in the Europa League despite a 2-0 defeat by Valencia at Parkhead.

Russia international Denis Cheryshev scored for the visitors three minutes before the interval in the first leg of the last-32 encounter.

And the second came in the 49th minute when debutant striker Ruben Sobrino knocked in a cross from Cheryshev, with the Spanish side running out comfortable winners ahead of the second leg next week at the Mestalla Stadium.

The Northern Irishman said: "Valencia are a team who wait on mistakes, very organised, compact and we made too many mistakes especially in the first half under no pressure.

"We gave it away and when you do that against good teams it kills your momentum and it puts you on the back foot. The lessons are you need to really concentrate.

"It is so important. You can get away with it domestically sometimes but certainly at this level against good players, if you bring pressure on to yourselves it makes it difficult for us.

"If you make the mistakes at this level you get punished, the disappointment is that it was basic mistakes and they capitalised on the two mistakes.

Celtic were well beaten by Valencia (Ian Rutherford/PA)

"We have to try to learn from it. We have a lot of young players, we have to take that on board and take it on the chin.

"We go next week to Valencia, it will be a very difficult game for us but if we get the first goal then it can bring a different possibility for us.

"We have to have that belief. We have got good players and we might have one or two back for then but we need to defend and concentrate well in key moments and, like I say, if we get the first goal then it could set us up for a really good second leg."

Oliver Burke tried his best to get Celtic back in the game (Ian Rutherford/PA)

Valencia boss Marcelino, speaking through an interpreter, was impressed by the "extraordinary, incredible" Parkhead atmosphere and pleased with his side's performance which makes them firm favourites to reach the next round.

He said: "It could have seemed easy but it was difficult. It was a good match and we played well, so respect to the players.

"We didn't lose too much of the ball and we defended and attacked very well. I am very happy and satisfied with the way things went.

"This tie is not decided yet but it would take a huge error not to qualify from this."

amp_article__350386 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-02-14 23:16:14:
html db last update - 2019-02-14 23:16:14 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Brendan Rodgers

Click here for more stories about Celtic

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1211103543134
2Aberdeen12101125121331
3RangersRangers12723179823
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd135531914520
5Motherwell126151616019
6St Mirren145361923-418
7Dundee134362225-315
8Ross County143651222-1015
9St Johnstone144191727-1013
10Kilmarnock133371526-1112
11Hearts142391524-99
12Hibernian131571222-108
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .