Young Celts lose out in matchday two against Borussia

UEFA Youth League Tuesday, October 1, 2024Borussia Dortmund Training Ground BORUSSIA DORTMUND…4 (Kabar 21, Diallo 56, Watjen 65, Kaba 90) CELTIC…0 Celtic FC B suffered defeat on matchday two in the UEFA Youth League, after losing out 4-0 to Borussia Dortmund. Falling behind in the first half, three further second-half strikes inflicted defeat upon the young Hoops against the strong German Academy side. Looking to build upon their perfect start to their UEFA Youth League campaign, the Bhoys travelled to Dortmund for matchday two of the competition. Making the trip for their first away European outing of the campaign, Stephen McManus’ side almost made the perfect start to the match from kick-off. Going straight on the attack, a move worked down the left-hand side made its way to Thomas Hatton, who looked to deliver a cross, which was cleared for a corner. From the resultant set piece, the Celts looked to cause trouble again as the ball found Jude Bonnar at the back post. However, nothing came of the move. Following a bright start to the match for Hatton down the left, Celtic were forced into an early change with the winger being forced off through injury after a hard challenge from the full-back. Despite that positive start, it was the home side who would open the scoring in style with a terrific strike from long range. Picking up the loose ball outside the area, the Dortmund forward struck a powerful effort, which found the back of the net going in off the inside of the post. Enjoying a few brief moments going forward in the first half, it was ultimately the home side who would have the better of the opportunities in the opening 45 minutes. Striking the post, and missing from just yards out, the German side could have doubled their advantage on a few occasions, including from the penalty spot. After a mix-up at the back, goalkeeper Aidan Rice was forced to bring down the forward, giving Dortmund the chance to score from 12-yards out. However, the young Celtic shot-stopper was able to amend his error, getting down to his left to produce a strong stop and keep the score at 1-0 going into the break. The young Hoops had work to do going into the second 45 minutes, and they looked to make a similar positive start. A good delivery in from the right by Donovan almost found the run of Daniel Cummings but was cleared away just in time. However, the Bhoys failed to build upon that good start once more as Dortmund doubled their advantage just before the hour mark. The home side were then able to add to that scoring less than 10 minutes later, falling three behind in Germany. The Celts continued to pile the pressure on, despite falling behind with Rhys Dargie having the best chance to pull a goal back, forcing the keeper into a smart stop. As the game entered the closing stages, the home side inflicted their final blow, grabbing a fourth late on through a well-worked free-kick routine. It wasn’t to be for the young Hoops on Tuesday afternoon, losing out on matchday two against the German Academy side. It is quickly back to league action this weekend for the Bhoys, before they look to bounce back in the UEFA Youth League against Atalanta later this month. CELTIC: Rice, Donovan, Robertson, Agbaire, Frame (Kyle 78), Ure, Bonnar (McArdle 59), Turley (Isiguzo 78), Dede, Hatton (Dargie 17), Cummings. Subs: Gill, Shaw, Davidson, Cannon, Haddow.FixturesBorussia Dortmund Vs. Celtic FCB – Tue, Oct 1st 2024, 15:00