Last update on. From the section Europa LeagueAnge Postecoglou, Celtic manager, said that Celtic had "lost their way" during the Europa League qualifying victory over FK Jablonec.While there were many chances for the Australians to win at the fourth attempt with a lot of luck, their defense frailties were once again exposed.After James Forrest, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Liel Ababa had scored, Celtic conceded at 2-0.Ryan Christie won a double-goal victory after Nir Bitton's attempt to beat Tomas Malinsky in a chaotic finish.It gave Celtic a strong lead that they could take into the second leg in Glasgow next week. The Dutch side AZ Alkmaar is awaiting the winner of the tie in round two.Postecoglou said, "It's great for players who worked hard but didn't get the result.""There are definitely areas that we can improve. Although we started off very well, there were times when we lost control, especially in the second half."We gave enough opportunities - we scored 4 and could have scored another 4. We didn't manage the game as well as possible."Postecoglou was relieved to see Celtic win in Europe after he had lost in the Champions League qualifiers against Denmark's Midtjylland. This came amid a turbulent start to his tenure.The stadium of 6000 capacity, which was Europe's most prestigious club competition, showed the decline in stature. One end was populated with trees, while the other had seats. This was no glamour tie.Postecoglou pitched Joe Hart, an ex-England goalkeeper. Hart made a huge call at the opposite end of the pitch and dropped Odsonne Edouard.After scoring two goals in his 11 previous games, the Frenchman was not in great form and Furuhashi, his replacement, made his debut with a beautiful finish for his goal.Two soft concessions, however, weakened Celtic's positive attacking play. Their defence seemed ill-equipped throughout.Celtic won 'Sunday League goals against Jablonec-HartsonDavid Turnbull missed a golden opportunity before Abada opened the scoring early on. He scored after his first attempt from Greg Taylor's delivery was blocked.Soon, a well-crafted second was followed. Bitton took over as a defender to allow Furuhashi to be released. Jan Hanus's dunk was just too much for Jan Hanus, and it was in the bottom corner.Celtic took control of the game and were cruising. Then their defense collapsed. The visitors were caught by surprise when a simple lob to the middle was not enough. Vaclav Pilar stepped in and stabbed the ball past Hart.The Scottish side sought to assert their dominance against Czech opponents who were third last season in the Czech top fight.Turnbull, McGregor, and Abada all came close. Furuhashi was four yards away after Abada's rebounded attempt bounced off a post.Celtic should have been clear, but Jablonec's sloppiness allowed him to gain a foothold. Vojtech Kubista was volleyed over. Pilar saved a drive by Hart. Marek Plasil snapped off Greg Taylor, narrowly passing.Forrest calmed the unease and made Abada an integral part of it. Hanus attempted to strike the Israeli, but Hanus failed. Forrest managed to squeeze in the rebound at an awkward angle.Celtic were once again caught at the back by Malinsky who skinned Carl Starfelt. Hart touched Hart's curling attempt on to the post, and Bitton's attempt clearing the line ended up in the net.Substitute Christie settled the breathless contest by diving to meet Forrest’s delivery and putting Celtic within touching distance.James Forrest is the Man of MatchCeltic won with a goal, assist and a strong winger.What have we learned?Although Jablonec may not be of the highest quality, this was Celtic's most convincing attacking performance under Postecoglou.Furuhashi had a great debut. Abada was once again on the scoresheet and Forrest added fluency.But, there were still glaring weaknesses at the back. Hart started solidly, with a few jittery moments. Hart was not helped by the fact that he conceded in each of his four games under Postecoglou. There are many more tests ahead that will require improvement.What were they saying?Ange Postecoglou, Celtic manager: "The result was obviously a positive one. It's a reward to the players and hopefully gives them hope and belief for the future."The performance was OK. We didn't control the game in the second half the way that we should to win the game more comfortably.What's next?Celtic will play Dundee in their Premiership match on Sunday (15:00 BST), and then host Jablonec next Thursday (19:45).
