Celtic 0 – 3 Roma: Celtic fall apart as Roma stroll to dominant win at Parkhead

By Wullie McDonald

The damage began early. Liam Scales’ own goal inside six minutes set the tone for a jittery, error-strewn first half, and Celtic never recovered. Evan Ferguson then bullied his way through for Roma’s second before half-time, finishing with the kind of confidence Celtic never came close to matching. A third followed before the break as Ferguson spun inside the area and slammed home, prompting loud boos as the players headed for the tunnel.

Celtic’s response after half-time was chaotic rather than constructive. A missed penalty from Arne Engels — smashed against the inside of the post — summed up the kind of night it was. Iheanacho briefly thought he had pulled one back, only for VAR to chalk it off for offside, and even Celtic’s brighter passages came with no real threat. It wasn’t until the 79th minute that they finally registered a shot on target.

Roma looked in total command throughout and could have added more. Leon Bailey tormented Celtic repeatedly, scoring a brilliant fourth that was later ruled offside before eventually finding the far top corner with a stunning strike that counted. By that stage, Celtic Park was emptying rapidly.

Late chances came and went for the hosts, including a tame effort from Michel-Ange Balikwisha, but the closing minutes were played out in a flat, resigned atmosphere. Even Kasper Schmeichel slicing a simple kick straight out drew groans.