Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have extended an unwanted Champions League record after the Scottish side’s dreadful defeat at Borussia Dortmund.
The optimism built from a 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in their European opener evaporated during a torrid evening in Germany, as Celtic lost 7-1 to last season’s runners-up at the Westfalenstadion.
It was the latest in a lineage of heavy losses in Europe for Celtic, who have been unable to transfer Scottish Premiership dominance into continental competition.
“It was a tough watch, to be honest,” Rodgers said in his post-match press conference.
“We weren’t quite at our best. They showed why they are a top, top team. We didn’t make the start we wanted.
“I don’t think I’ve been involved in a game where every mistake got punished. That’s the level.
“Any misplaced pass or moment that they had seemed to end up in the back of the net. And on the other side, the couple of moments we had in the second half didn’t fall for us.
“At this level, especially away from home against a top team, you need to be at your highest level. We weren’t that and they were. You could see the quality that they have.”
Rodgers defended his side’s approach but it was the third time he has conceded seven goals as a manager in a Champions League game. No other manager has done so more than once.
Celtic’s heaviest defeats in Europe with the Brendan Rodgers in charge
- Barcelona 7-0 Celtic (2016)
- Celtic 0-5 Paris St-Germain (2017)
- Paris St-Germain 7-1 Celtic (2017)
- Atletico Madrid 6-0 Celtic (2023)
- Borussia Dortmund 7-1 Celtic (2024)
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