Jota Gets 8, Soro With 4 | Celtic Players Rated In Their Disappointing Defeat Against Real Betis | OneFootball

Celtic were supposed to have a tough test this evening in their Europa League group stage contest against Real Betis. Despite being without an array of first-team stars due to injury concerns, the Hoops enjoyed a flying start with two early goals at Estadio Benito Villamarín. But the Hosts reacted immediately and exposed the Bhoys’ defensive frailty to level the scoreline just over the half-hour mark.

The Green-and-Whites continued their supremacy in the second half and made it 4-2 in no time. The frailty at the back cost the Scottish hotshots and a late header from Anthony Ralston was a mere consolation in a 4-3 defeat on the road.

Below are Celtic players rated in their defeat against Real Betis.

Joe Hart:

Did well to deny Nabil Fekir early on, however, could have done little to stop Juan Miranda who was through on goal. Should have done better though while closing down Borja Iglesias who set it up for Juanma moments later. Goals conceded after the break were the outcome of catastrophic defending.

Anthony Ralston: 5.5

Allowed Juanma to have a free run and struggled defensively when Betis were enjoying the momentum. Combined well with Jota at times down the right-hand flank but was restricted in terms of attacking contribution. Collapsed entirely after the break as the Spanish outfit kept on posing threats from his end. Somewhat compensated in the closing minutes as his header from Turnbull’s cross reduced the deficit.

Cameron Carter-Vickers: 5

Made some no-nonsense clearances from the heart of the backline. Should have done better to stop the home side’s quick passing movements and one-twos in and around Celtic’s defensive third. Lacked communication with Starfelt during Iglesias’ goal.

Carl Starfelt: 5.5

Dominated aerially but the failed offside trap before Juanma’s first goal must be viewed as a collective lapse. Was on the wrong side of Iglesias who scored the third after picking up Sergio Canales’ cross from the right-hand flank.

Josip Juranovic: 6.5

Started well from the left-hand flank as his overlapping runs and link-up play with Montgomery caused menace in Betis defence. Slotted home from the spot to make it 2-0 for the Glasgow giants minutes before the half-hour mark. Concentrated on defensive duties later on as the Hoops were conceding goals in quick successions.

Ismaila Soro: 4

Started in place of skipper Callum McGregor ahead of veteran James McCarthy. An evening to forget for the Ivorian as he kept on getting dispossessed time and again while attempting to hold possession unnecessarily. Looked lethargic while marshalling the backline as he left the opponents unmarked repeatedly. Was taken off soon after Betis’ fourth and made way for McCarthy for the remainder of the contest.

David Turnbull: 7.5

Paired well with Ajeti before Claudio Bravo fouled the latter inside the box. Maintained composure with his passing and distribution, also played a part in quick attacking transitions. His pinpoint cross from a free-kick late in the game was nodded home by Ralston to make it 4-3.

Celtic players celebrate after their teammate Celtic s Albian Ajeti scored his side s opening goal during the Europa League Group G soccer match between Real Betis and Celtic at Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Spain, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. AP Photo/Miguel Morenatti PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMiguelxMorenattix 62462158

Tom Rogic: 7

Showed some great footwork in the middle of the park. Was unlucky as his volley hit the woodwork midway through the second half. Created a few chances with his crosses and dribbling attempts.

Filipe Jota: 8

Excellent from the right-hand flank as he looked purposeful with his stepovers, cut insides, crosses and directness. Set it up for Ajeti early into the game and his pace troubled the hosts’ defence.

Adam Montgomery: 7.5

Impressive from the teenager as he worked extremely hard down the left-hand side of the pitch. Helped defensively, also offered creative spark in the attacking third with his dribbles, swift footwork and quick runs.

Albian Ajeti: 7.5

Continues to impress as he slotted home from Jota’s cross. Drew a foul from Bravo which was calmly converted by Juranovic. Was marginally offside which denied him his second of the evening.

Celtic Substitutes Vs Real Betis

James McCarthy: 6.5

Restored stability to some extent since coming on with timely tackles, recoveries and interceptions.