Celtic suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to AS Roma in the Europa League, leaving new manager Wilfried Nancy with two home losses from two games. Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, claimed their third away win of the group stage.
Things went wrong early for Celtic after a poor own goal. Just six minutes in, Liam Scales accidentally headed Matías Soulé’s corner into his own net. Roma pressed on, with shots from Stephan El Shaarawy and Zeki Çelik not finding the target, while Celtic continued to make mistakes in defence. Evan Ferguson hit the post after a Celtic error in their own half.
Roma got their second goal nine minutes before half-time. Çelik crossed for Ferguson to score his first Europa League goal. Celtic briefly looked more lively but missed a big chance through Reo Hatate. Ferguson scored again in stoppage time of the first half, making it 3-0. Celtic were given a penalty later, but Arne Engels’ effort hit the post.
After the break, Wilfried Nancy brought on three substitutes, including Kelechi Iheanacho, who missed a great chance eight minutes after the restart. Celtic thought they had pulled a goal back, but Iheanacho’s goal was ruled out for offside. Roma also had a goal by Leon Bailey disallowed for offside.
Roma’s win makes them the first team since Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2012/13 to beat both Celtic and Rangers away in the same Europa League season. Celtic’s second home loss leaves them clinging to the final qualifying spot.
