Aston Villa 4-2 Celtic – Naivety and poor defending cost us, but we must focus on the positives | OneFootball

Celtic ended our champions League group stage fixtures on a low as we lost 4-2 to Aston Villa at Villa Park last night. Although there were plenty of negatives, there were also a few positives to be had and these mustn’t be forgotten…

Adam Idah scores his team’s first goal past Emiliano Martinez during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

That naivety that we so often see in European games was evident once again as we went two goals down in the first five minutes, and we all feared a repeat of the Dortmund disaster was on the cards.

Celtic players stuck in, and didn’t crumble

To the players credit though, they stuck in, and didn’t crumble like they did back in September at the Westfalenstadion. They stuck to the task and focused on their game, although it took a great goal line clearance from Alistair Johnston to prevent it being 3-0 around the half hour mark, which would have made it a much longer night.

Adam Idah pulled one back with a great instinctive finish, and two minutes later he sent the Celtic supporters into euphoria by finishing off a brilliantly worked move to level the game.

Adam Idah scores Celtic’s second goal past Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

From fearing a thumping, we were now level

From fearing a thumping, Celtic were now level and we headed into the half time break full of belief once more. Unfortunately that naivety would prove to be our undoing as Villa regained the lead on the hour mark.

Liam Scales who was well out of position, decided against taking one for the team he let his opponent advance forward with the team stretched. Arne Engels should also share the blame as he should have have been much stronger in dealing John McGinn, as the Scotland man shrugged him off, and it proved fatal as Villa punished us.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa misses a penalty during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Villa missed a penalty

Villa missed a penalty soon after and we were still in the game. We huffed and puffed but didn’t create any clear cut chances, but our defensive frailties put the game to bed in the 90th minute as Villa grabbed their fourth.

All in all it was a disappointing night, but we must focus on the positives, such as our great show of strength and character after losing two goals in the first four minutes. Also Adam Idah getting back on the goal trail with two superbly taken goals.

The small fact of a play off game against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich is also on the horizon. No need for the negativity, let’s look at the positives.

Celtic fans celebrate with an Irish flag during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Home tie first and glamour opposition guaranteed

Playing that play-off at home first also gives us a chance to take something competitive into the second leg. A narrow win at Celtic Park is probably the most we can expect and then hope for a Belgamo type defensive showing in the away tie. Don’t put money on it but at least it’s a better scenario than the Real Madrid or Bayern Munich seeking to put the tie to bed on their own patch thus making the game at Paradise a formality.

Brendan Rodgers looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Last night also showed that the Celtic squad is perhaps NOT as strong as we all thought it was, even for domestic football. Losing CCV in defence, and both Kyogo and Daizen in attack seriously weakened our team. Brendan however knows this so there’s no worries about it not being addressed.

European Mission Accomplished

Celtic also achieved our objective in reaching the play-offs of the Champions League and we are GUARANTEED a glamour tie in the play-off round and even in the game after that is against either Leverkusen or our old friends Atletico Madrid.

Adam Idah scores Celtic’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025 (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Celtic’s MOTM for me at Villa Park was Adam Idah who stood up brilliantly to the challenge of leading the Celtic line. If he can do that at Villa Park against a Premier League team highly motivated and desperate to make the top eight, then he can do it in every game and on every ground in Scottish football. He’ll know that now too and we can expect to see the real Adam Idah as we move forward.

Green Brigade gesture prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Sandman’s Definitive Ratings to follow on The Celtic Star. Don’t miss it!

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic Pools – Join the Weekly Lottery and support the Celtic Academy. Why not join Celtic Pools for £1 a week with the chance to win up to £25k

More Stories / Latest News

Three talking points after Celtic’s 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa

Jan 30 2025, 14:52

Brendan Rodgers praises Celtic striker: Adam Idah was a real handful

Jan 30 2025, 13:44

As John McGinn played against Celtic, Rodgers sent his recruitment message

Jan 30 2025, 12:51