Modern listeners might associate the word ‘Celtic’ with images of traditional Irish and Scottish culture, but ancient Celts were comprised of various tribes spread out across central Europe.

Celtic fans will likely have been inspired by their team’s performance in Rotterdam. Yet lessons must still be taken on board for next week’s clash in Malmo.

1. Inexperienced centre-back pairing

Celtic’s debut European match under Brendan Rodgers ended disastrously as they were reduced to nine men during their 2-0 loss away to Feyenoord. A night that began with hope quickly disintegrated as Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm were shown red cards in quick succession, leaving Celtic with just nine players available on the pitch for their clash.

As both defenders were still relatively inexperienced at this level, their mistakes led to their dismissals. Lagerbielke should have returned Calvin Stengs’ free-kick into Joe Hart’s hands instead of jumping for it and earning another yellow card, prompting yet another booking for jumping for it – resulting in his immediate dismissal.

Holm made his mark when he collided with Mats Wieffer in a reckless tackle that earned a straight red card for recklessness. Their lack of experience at this level cost the Bhoys dearly but is something which cannot be remedied overnight.

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2. Defeat to Feyenoord

Celtic were left reeling by their lack of experience in Champions League competition as they suffered a crushing 2-0 defeat at Feyenoord in Rotterdam’s Group E opener, falling by Calvin Stengs and Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s goals to Feyenoord’s relentless attack in Rotterdam’s Group E opener. Brendan Rodgers will look to learn from this defeat by improving their decision-making when it comes to final third play.

Scottish champions Dundee United had the upper hand early, coming close to scoring several times before half time, but were left down to nine players when Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm were sent off within five minutes of each other in the second period.

Feyenoord took control from there, with Stengs’ free kick in first-half injury time and Igor Paixao’s second half strike enough to give them three points and send home their opponent, the Bhoys. Unfortunately for them this defeat will come as yet another disappointment in Europe’s premier competition.

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3. Defeat to Barcelona

Celtic have enjoyed European success for many years. One of their finest nights ever occurred at Camp Nou against Barcelona in 2022 – showing that when given enough focus and determination they can compete with even the finest teams abroad.

Due to draws against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach, Celtic have no chance of reaching the last 16. Their trip to Borussia Monchengladbach on December 6 will be crucial if they wish to make it through to the Europa League; anything short of three points would see them finish fourth in their group.

Rodgers employed a defensive strategy against Barcelona, starting out by fielding five at the back with central duo Brown and Nir Bitton staying deep. But the quality of players like Neymar, Suarez and Iniesta could not be contained by simply playing deep; two mistakes by defenders resulted in them jumping for passes they couldn’t reach and another was dispossessed within his own half before leading directly to two goals scored against them.

4. Desperate to avoid relegation

Celtic have not drawn three consecutive Champions League games for an extended period since 2004 but, should other results go against them, their 0-0 draw at Dundee could prove costly and cause them to risk relegation from Europe’s richest league.

Rodgers’ side appeared poised for an emphatic comeback against Odin Holm’s side before Calvin Stengs’ free kick and Odin Holm’s dismissal were both crippling blows to their efforts.

Stengs leapt for an overhead ball and that was the catalyst that changed everything. He lost control and was dispossessed inside his own half, leading directly to four of Juventus’ five goals. McDonald came on and marked his full debut by sending over a low cross that Samaras punched home for one more score.