Albian Ajeti's opener brought his total to three goals in just two games
Celtic was enthralled by the ferocious start against Real Betis, and hoped to finally end their pain in Spain at 20 years of asking. The wait for the end is not over because of familiar defence flaws.
As Celtic's patchwork team led Real Betis to an early 2-0 win, fans' trepidation was transformed into joy. Four goals in 21 minutes were a stark reality check.
Ange Postecoglou, manager of Celtic, was "really proud", despite losing 4-3 to Spain. This means that Celtic's Spanish-based record is now 17 losses and three draws over the past 59 years.
Celtic won two matches in Seville, but lost the Uefa Cup final against Porto in 2003. They scored three more in the same city, but still had nothing.
Postecoglou wanted to be positive and Celtic displayed the attacking football he strives for. Albian Ajeti scored one goal, while Anthony Ralston scored the other.
Celtic has scored at least three goals on seven occasions in 13 games played under the australians. They had very little to show for their efforts on this occasion.
Postecoglou said that he couldn't have asked for more from the players. The football they played was exactly what we want, and that he could not ask for anything more." Postecoglou spoke to Celtic TV.
"I don’t believe there was much between teams. They had more chances than us and probably had the same amount of chances.
"Yes, there are still areas to improve on, but when you go away from home and score 3 goals and create many more chances, I believe there are positive signs that we are moving forward."
Soro is overrun by Celtic
Is Celtic's unwavering attack ideology at the cost of any defensive pragmatism
They can beat teams at home but have been vulnerable on the road with five defeats in six games since Postecoglou took over.
Celtic's difficulties in keeping Betis away weren't limited to their weak defence. Ismaila Soro was called in to fill in for Callum McGregor who was injured. It was a difficult night in deep midfield.
After being booked for a couple of fouls on Nabil Fekir, the Ivorian was now walking a tightrope. After his awkward lunge on Nabil Fekir, the hosts yelled for another yellow. Soro was replaced shortly thereafter by James McCarthy. Betis had gone 4-2 ahead in the second period.
James McFadden, a former Scotland forward, said on Sportsound that Callum McGregor was the biggest mistake for Celtic tonight.
McGregor is a far superior player in intelligence, ball quality, energy and leadership. Soro is not even close." It's a big loss."
James McFadden thinks that Ismaila Soro was not ready to take Callum McGregor's place
Pat Bonner, a former Celtic goalkeeper believes Soro was not helped by a system which left him isolated. Celtic has conceded 10 goals in four European away matches this season.
Bonner stated, "Playing two holding midfielders away in Europe is how most managers would set it up, but Postecoglou will not change."
To provide more stability, Soro needs to be supported in this role by another defensive midfielder. You might not lose as many goals but you will be less likely to score as many. The key is to find the right balance.
Both pundits agree that Celtic's many signings at the back will lead to improvement.
Bonner stated, "This is still every day." "Cameron Carter Vickers and Josip Juranovic just joined the team. Carl Starfelt has only played few games."
McFadden said: "The problem for Celtic this season has been that they have had so many defensive partnership and you need to let a pairing grow."
