Scott Bain believes that last night in Spain was Celtic’s best performance of the season.
The keeper pulled off two top class saves as well as a number of blocks and stops to keep the tie alive until Kevin Gameiro scored from close range in the 70th minute.
While Valencia went into the match with the comfort of a 2-0 first leg lead Celtic had the better of the first half up until Jeremy Toljan’s 37th minute sending off.
The hoops were confident and aggressive in midfield with Jonny Hayes, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor moving forward with ease.
It was a complete contrast to the tame defeats suffered earlier in the competition in Salzburg and Leipzig with Bain, making just his second European appearance thrilled by the way his team-mates performed.
“We can be proud and we have learned a lot from the two games,” the keeper told The Sun. “Obviously, we need to better again in the future, but we showed we are more than capable at this level.
“It might actually have been the best we have played all season and it was really good to watch.
“That’s why in the end it was sad because, had we come away with a 0-0 given the way we played, it would have been deserved and that was the disappointing part.
“We continued to play from the back when it was on, continued to be brave even when we were down to 10 men.
“It was a tough stadium and a tough place to play, but the pitch was sensational and like a bowling green and we moved it quickly on the surface.
“We always believe in our ability and quality and we don’t listen to outside noise. We’re confident and brave enough to take the ball in tight situations.”
After the excitement of facing La Liga opposition it’s back to basics for Celtic on Sunday when they host Motherwell looking to retain their advantage at the top of the SPFL.
That match is followed by trips to Hearts and Hibs (Scottish Cup) which will go a long way towards deciding if the Treble Treble is on.