Celtic’s European adventure ended on Thursday night as they were outclassed over two legs by Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League playoff round, losing 5-1 on aggregate.

Having lost the home instalment 3-1, a heavily rotated Hoops lineup endured a nightmare first half in the second leg in Norway – falling behind inside ten minutes, continuously giving the ball away and failing to create anything of note going forward.

It was one of those giveaways that led directly to the opener, with Stephen Welsh’s hospital pass putting Nir Bitton under pressure. The midfielder was robbed of possession by Elias Hagen, who burst forward and fed Ola Solbakken to plant a fine finish beyond Joe Hart and into the bottom corner.

Dangerous winger Amahl Pellegrino forced Hart into a good save three minutes later when he created some space in the penalty area with a neat touch.

The Norwegian was denied again by Hart later in the half following another Bitton giveaway, with the former England international beating away his strike after he streaked clear and cut inside. Solbakken then smashed the loose ball just wide via a deflection.

Celtic’s best and only real opening of the half arrived at the feet of centre-back Carl Starfelt, but completely unmarked he somehow skied a finish inside the penalty area before being flagged offside – though he looked on.

The Bhoys improved after half-time and should have been level on the night when Daizen Maeda found himself clean through, but he blazed his strike over the crossbar.

Three minutes later the second leg was ended as a contest, with Glimt’s Hugo Vetlesen finishing off a neat attacking move with a composed, side-foot finish as he made a late run into the box.

Substitute Liel Abada twice came close to pulling one back for Celtic. First, he lifted a shot just over the bar from inside the penalty area before sliding an effort narrowly wide in stoppage time.

Here’s how the away players rated…

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Joe Hart (GK) – 5/10 – Almost punished for a poor kick out but made a couple of good saves before half-time. Nothing doing with the goals.

Anthony Ralston (RB) – 5/10 – Didn’t look particularly comfortable against the dangerous Pellegrino.

Stephen Welsh (CB) – 5/10 – Hospital pass to Bitton led to the opener. Did well in the air and passing improved.

Carl Starfelt (CB) – 6/10 – Really should have scored but somehow skied it from yards out. Called offside but looked on. Did well otherwise, winning duels and passing well.

Liam Scales (LB) – 5/10 – Gave the ball away very easily at times. A little overzealous but not awful. Booked.

Tom Rogic (CM) – 4/10 – Looked like his boots were made of lead at times. Tried to battle but couldn’t have an impact. Subbed at the break.

Nir Bitton (CM) – 3/10 – So, so sloppy in possession and lost the ball in the build-up to the opener – although a poor pass put him under pressure. Almost punished again later in the half when he was robbed for a second time.

Matthew O’Riley (CM) – 4/10 – Had just 23 touches before being subbed at half-time. Ineffective.

James Forrest (RW) – 6/10 – Celtic looked to get the ball to him but he was often surrounded by defenders. Put in a shift at least.

Georgios Giakoumakis (ST) – 4/10 – Barely involved in the first half. That didn’t really change after the break. Subbed.

Daizen Maeda (LW) – 5/10 – Worked hard, but to little avail. Should have scored shortly after the hour mark, but his effort was wild.

Callum McGregor (CM) – 6/10 – Helped Celtic grow into the game after the break, gaining a degree of control in midfield.

Liel Abada (RM) – 6/10 – Spritely off the bench and made an impact after half-time.

James McCarthy (CM) – N/A

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