Even in defeat Celtic fans took plenty of positives from the 4-3 reverse away to Real Betis in their Europa League opener.
It was a slightly familiar story of opening with all guns blazing, getting in front then seeing a positive result collapse with Betis going through a half hour spell where they looked capable of finding the net every time that they got near Joe Hart’s goals.
With a brand new defence in place a little back-up from midfield would have helped defend a two goal lead but Ismaila Soro was a man down according to some Celtic fans as Betis played straight through the Celtic midfield.
The hoops could have been a man down in the ninth minute when Soro snapped on the ankle of an opponent, fortunately the referee opted for his yellow card.
From that moment on the Ivorian was nullified, any challenge was bringing howls for further punishment from the Betis fans and players.
In possession Soro was a man under pressure, while Adam Montgomery, Jota and Tom Rogic were fluent in possession Soro looked like a fish out of water.
He survived the half-time hook but in the 56th minute, with Celtic trailing 4-2 he was replaced by James McCarthy.
Betis did take their foot off the gas, Tony Ralston headed Celtic hope in the 86th minute but had Callum McGregor been fit Soro would have been on the bench and perhaps watching a very different outcome.
I feel we never had a midfield, Soro is an accident waiting to happen and that cost us. A fit McGregor or McCarthy to control the game at 2-0 and we win
— HenkeMcD (@PaulMcD93532054) September 16, 2021
No, sorry that was Soro’s fault, he has to cover for Ralston and watch thay run, failing this it is Ralston side. The ball in was excellent but he had all the time to lick his pass. Following on the media band wagon like a poor pundit does
— Michael Mcveigh (@Michael62853521) September 16, 2021
By defending better you mean changing it to keep it tight? What’s a manager for if he doesn’t make tactical calls at the right time? A blind man knew Soro was a man short too
— Pol MacFhionnghaile ????????? (@mcginleybhoy) September 16, 2021
30 excellent minutes, 30 woeful and the final 30 running on empty. My worry now is how much that will have taken out of us for Sunday.
No matter what though, please don’t have Soro near the team. Complete liability. Can’t help himself with silly challenges
— Tony Nicol (@FelixNicaldo) September 16, 2021
Watch soro in the build up to the 3rd goal, and watch him trying to stop the cross. Absolute disgrace
— Pádraig Mac Fhiodhbhuidhe (@johnjoemcg27) September 16, 2021
Said the same elsewhere. 3rd big mistake was waiting on losing the 4th goal before changing Soro
— Wull See (@thEnd0fTheStorm) September 16, 2021
Some game. Really unlucky not to get something from it. Loads of positives but one big negative was Soro. Always worried what the plan was for DCM as i’m not convinced by McGregor there either tbh. McCarthy must be the plan. I’d play Bitton ahead of Soro for now i think.
— Forrest Finishing (@getitinforrest) September 16, 2021
Lack of defensive midfield cover let us down badly, Soro on his first half display alone should have been taken off, let alone the fact he he was lucky Not to be sent off. We don’t need a team of passengers, we had that last season, and look how that turned out.
— Unprecedented Quadruple Treble Winners. (@anthony19641888) September 16, 2021
kkkk