AC Milan 2 – Celtic 0

Last week Celtic were 10/1 with Paddy Power to win in the San Siro stadium. On paper this seems one of those stick-on, home-win,  results. But it brought to mind the old days when we used to outplay Rangers, have most of the ball, miss most of the chances and then Laudrup would gallop up the park and score a goal for them. Job done.  Celtic had more of the ball against Milan. They had the better of the chances, but they did not overly trouble Christian Ablatt the Milan keeper. I cannot think of any Milan player, including Bolottli, who stood out. Scott Brown, and I never thought I’d be saying this, was outstanding. The two full backs played well. Izaguirre, Scotland’s Players’ Player of the year two years ago, after a prolonged injury, has not returned to that kind of form, but he had a good game here. His problem is that he seems to be jinxed. In most of the big European games (none of the games against Scottish opposition now can be called qualified by the term ‘big’) Izziguire isn’t were he should be when someone ghosts in to score, which has led Lennon to not trusting him at full back and playing Mulgrew in Izzy's position.  Here Izziguire stuck a foot out to block a Zapata shot that was heading towards the corner flag and deflected it beyond Forster. Milan were 1—0 up with eight minutes remaining. Celtic were getting nothing and Milan, for all their frailties, were getting everything. Scott Brown was back to his worst, giving away a daft foul outside the box by barging into Ballotelli, whilst the ball was fifteen yards away near the corner flag. A great save from the free kick by Forster made no difference at the ball dropped to three Italian attackers. 2—0. The Celtic defence had went missing. No disgrace here. On the contrary lots of plaudits, but, as expected, glorious defeat and  no points.  Next up Barcelona. No points. Also not unexpected. Then a double-header Ajax at home and then in the next game away. That looks like a play-off for a Europa league spot. Even before the first game I’d have taken that. It wouldn’t surprise me if AC Milan beat us at Parkhead, but also it wouldn’t surprise me if Ajax beat them in the San Siro. What would surprise me is if anyone manages to take a point off Barcelona. Two wins in this group may be enough for a second spot finish. It’s going to be an almighty scramble. I’m just glad Celtic are in it, but dismayed that they lost here.