Celtic have failed to progress to the group stages of the Champions League after falling 2-0 in tonight’s play-off to Malmo, going out 4-3 on aggregate.
The Bhoys took a 3-2 victory at Parkhead into tonight’s match but a lacklustre display means they take their place instead in the Europa League’s group stages.
Failing to get any sort of foothold at midfield, Celtic found themselves behind when an unmarked Markus Rosenberg headed home a corner midway through the first half.
Celtic can count themselves unfortunate for having a goal disallowed as half-time approached. Another corner broke to Nirs Bitton, who slotted home, but referee Milorad Mazic struck the goal from the records after consulting with his goal-line official, possibly because Malmo goalkeeper Johan Wiland was knocked off his feet by an inoccuous looking challenge.
In the second-half, Celtic continue to struiggle and in the 55th minute Malmo doubled their lead. A Felipe Carvalho header from a corner left the Celtic defence scrambling and it was eventually marked down as a Dedryck Boyata own-goal, despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Celtic never looked like mounting a comeback and for the second year running Deila’s side have failed to make the Champions League group stages.
