Disappointing Celtic suffer devastating blow with loss to Monchengladbach

Celtic’s hopes of clinching third place in Group C suffered a devastating blow as the Hoops fell to a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in Glasgow.

Second-half goals from Lars Stindl and Andre Hahn ensured the Bundesliga side leapfrogged Celtic into third spot. Brendan Rodgers’ side are still without a win after three games.

The hosts started with the same side that drew 3-3 with Manchester City last month but the Scottish champions failed to reproduce such a spectacular performance and in truth deserved nothing from the game.

Gladbach dominated from start to finish and on 57 minutes they finally grabbed the opener after a defensive mistake from Kolo Toure allowed Stindl space to make the breakthrough.

The defender was culpable for the second goal as well as he lost his position to allow Andre Hahn in to double the visitors’ advantage 20 minutes later.

Celtic must now beat Gladbach in their own backyard on November 1 if they’re to have any chance of making the latter stages of the Europa League.

A night to forget for Celtic and Kolo Toure: A home victory would have put Celtic four points ahead of Gladbach in the race for a Europa League spot. However, Brendan Rodgers failed to inspire his side to build on their superb 3-3 draw with Manchester City and now they’re staring at a bleak winter without any European football to look forward to. Kolo Toure was brought in for the big games but he has let his team mates down on this occasion with a lacklustre performance.

Lars Stindl (Gladbach) – If anyone deserved a goal, it was the 27-year-old. Worked tirelessly throughout and his movement caused Celtic, and Kolo Toure in particular, all kinds of problems.

Celtic: Gordon 5, Lustig 5, Toure 4, Sviatchenko 5, Tierney 5, Biton 5, Brown 5, Forrest 6, Rogic 5, Sinclair 6, Dembele 6. Subs: Griffiths 6, Roberts 6, McGregor 5.

Gladbach: Sommer 7, Korb 6, Vestergaard 6, Elvedi 6, Wendt 7; Kramer 7, Strobl 7, Traore 8, Stindl 9, Hofmann 7, Hahn 8. Subs: Hermann N/A, Schulz N/A.

16’ - CLOSE! The visitors almost break the deadlock! Wendt collects possession inside the penalty area, tees up Traore for a first-time shot and the stinging effort causes Gordon all kinds of problems but he's able to gather it on the second attempt.

26’ - CHANCE! Gordon is forced into another save. Wendt finds space on the channel before feeding Hoffman whose effort is straight at the Celtic goalkeeper.

30’ - SAVE! A mistake in the Celtic defence sees Hahn played through inside the penalty area, his shot forcing Gordon into yet another two-handed save. Corner ball.

43’ – MISS! For all of Gladbach's dominance, it's Celtic who should be ahead! Sinclair misses an absolute sitter to add to Brendan Rodgers' frustration! Sinclair is played in by Rogic but takes the shot first time and sends it into row Z.

53’ - JUST WIDE! Under pressure on the edge of the penalty area, Strobl does well to get a shot away but it's sent inches wide of the target. Gordon was beaten.

57’ - GOAL! Celtic 0-1 Gladbach - The visitors finally break the deadlock thanks to a defensive mistake from Toure. The defender tries to usher the ball out of play but loses it to Hahn who wins the ball for Stindl and he hammers the ball hard and low past Gordon who probably should do better.

77’ - GOAL! Celtic 0-2 Gladbach - Now the hosts have a mountain to climb as the visitors double their lead. Toure is at fault again, losing his place in defence to allow Hahn space to run into and apply the finish beyond Gordon.

Gladbach are the first team to record a victory at Celtic Park in 21 games.

Charlie says it all...