Last-ditch Ajax goal ends Celtic's hopes of progressing in the Europa League

Celtic were dumped out of the Europa League after falling to a late Ajax goal in a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park.

With the scores locked at 1-1 in the closing stages, Ronny Deila’s side threw caution to the wind knowing they had to win to have any chance of progressing in the competition.

They were made to pay, however, when Ajax launched a deadly counter-attack from a corner and 18-year-old Vaclav Cerny stuck the dagger in the hearts of the Celtic faithful with just two minutes of the match remaining.

A spectacular goal by Callum McGregor after just four minutes handed Celtic the perfect start but Ronny Deila’s side dropped deeper immediately after and conceded less than 20 minutes later.

Ajax fired a warning shot - Arkadiusz Milik saw his thunderous effort ruled out for offside – but on 22 minutes the Polish forward levelled the scores after Viktor Fischer’s shot was only partially saved.

Celtic had a number of chances to regain their lead, Leigh Griffiths - in particular - was guilty of squandering opportunities, but it was Ajax who were celebrating at the final whistle.

It has been a largely forgettable Europa League campaign for Celtic – who have now gone 10 games without winning in the competition – and the pressure builds on manager Ronny Deila.

Celtic now travel to Turkey to face Fenerbahçe on 10 December in what is essentially a dead rubber for the Scottish champions.

4’ - GOAL - Celtic 1-0 Ajax! The hosts have an early lead and Celtic Park is sent into overdrive! McGregor picks up possession from around 20 yards, is granted too much space, and fires straight into the bottom corner with his weaker foot! What a start!

11’ - GOAL RULED OUT! Ajax have the ball in the back of the net - Milik smashing home from a Fischer lay-off - but the linesman has his flag up for offside. Replays show Fischer was level when he collected possession. Celtic get away with one.

22’ - GOAL - Celtic 1-1 Ajax! Milik levels the scores with a tap in after Fischer's initial shot is saved but he finds his team mate with the rebound who was left with an easy finish.

31’ - SO CLOSE! The home fans have their hearts in their mouth as a curled effort from Younes almost finds the top corner. Fortunately, for Celtic, the ball carries just a little too much and it goes narrowly over the bar.

35’ - SIDE NETTING! A foul is committed by Ajax in the centre of the park but the referee plays the advantage as Griffiths is played behind the away defence in a wide position but he can only fire the shot into the side netting when a square pass across goal was the better option.

55’ - WASTED! Celtic work the ball into a wide position, Griffiths collects possession in space and, from a tight angle, he goes for goal and screws his shot well wide. His team mates - who had picked up central positions - are not one bit happy.

66’ - CROSSBAR! McGregor, full of confidence from his opening goal, tries his luck from distance once more and he is almost celebrating his second! His shot deflects onto the crossbar and goes out for a corner!

73’ - WHAT A CHANCE! Griffiths latches onto a delicious pass from Allan but he can't find a way past Cillessen who stood up bravely to make an important save. Celtic will struggle to create a better opportunity.

88’ - GOAL - Celtic 1-2 Ajax! It's the visitors who score the all-important third goal as the steal the ball and catch the Scottish champions on the counter attack - Cerny bursts forward and beats Gordon at the near post with his weaker right foot.

Celtic’s poor defending costs them again – Callum McGregor gave Celtic a dream start but poor defending allowed Ajax straight back into the game. Failure to deal with set-pieces cost them a place in the Champions League but a complete melt-down at the back in the Europa League means they will mostly likely finish bottom of the group without a victory.

Amin Younes (Ajax) – Celtic couldn’t handle him on occasions. The 22-year-old found himself with too much space time and time again.

Celtic: Gordon 7; Lustig 6, Boyata 6, Simunovic 6, Tierney 7; Rogic 6; McGregor 8, Armstrong 6; Forrest 6, Griffiths 6, Mackay-Steven 6. Subs: Izaguirre 6, Allan 6, Mulgrew 5.

Ajax: Cillessen 8; Tete 7, Van der Hoorn 7, Riedewald 6, Dijks 7; Schone 6, Gudelj 7, Klaassen 6; Fischer 7, Milik 7, Younes 8. Subs: Sanago 5, Cerny 7, Van de Beek 6.