Celtic’s season has taken another damaging turn after Martin O’Neill’s side were beaten 4-1 by Benfica in Lisbon on Thursday night.
The Hoops were three goals down before half-time at the Estadio da Luz. Jhon Duran struck twice, including an early penalty, while Alexander Bah also found the net as Celtic’s defensive shape fell apart against a ruthless home side.
There was at least a response after the break.
Camilo Duran headed home for Celtic and the visitors hit the woodwork three times during their best spell of the game. However, Vangelis Pavlidis added Benfica’s fourth late on to leave Celtic without a point after two Europa League matches.
O’Neill attempted to take encouragement from the second-half improvement, but the final score has placed his position back under the spotlight.
The experienced manager has already endured a difficult few weeks on and off the pitch.
|
Match stat |
Benfica |
Celtic |
|---|---|---|
|
Score |
4 |
1 |
|
Possession |
53% |
47% |
|
Total shots |
26 |
14 |
|
Shots on target |
7 |
7 |
|
Expected goals (xG) |
2.74 |
1.30 |
|
Big chances created |
2 |
2 |
|
Corners |
8 |
6 |
|
Accurate passes |
526 (91%) |
455 (89%) |
|
Duels won |
36 |
41 |
|
Saves |
6 |
3 |
|
Fouls committed |
9 |
7 |
Celtic were beaten 3-0 by Rangers in the League Cup before losing 3-1 against Ferencvaros. A second Old Firm defeat followed at Celtic Park, with Rangers winning 1-0 and leaving O’Neill to consider his future during the international break.
The 2-0 victory at Motherwell briefly calmed the situation and returned Celtic to the top of the Premiership, yet another painful European night has quickly brought the frustration back.
Supporters have questioned the summer transfer business, the integration of new signings and O’Neill’s tactical decisions.
Celtic may still lead Rangers by two points in the league, but their repeated struggles against stronger opposition have created an uncomfortable mood around the club.
Sunday’s meeting with Hearts at Parkhead has become even more important, and another poor display would increase the anger before Celtic face Celta Vigo.
Attention is now beginning to turn towards who could eventually replace O’Neill.
Celtic consider David Moyes as Martin O’Neill successor after Benfica humiliation
Pete O’Rourke reports for Football Insider that Celtic are considering Everton manager David Moyes as a candidate to take charge next summer.
O’Neill’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and he is currently expected to leave at that stage, even if he survives the immediate pressure.
Moyes is also approaching the final months of his Everton deal, potentially allowing Celtic to appoint him without paying compensation.
No decision has been made and there is no suggestion that his arrival is close, but his name is being discussed inside Celtic.
The ‘underrated‘ 63-year-old already has a connection with Celtic after representing the club as a player, and he would also arrive with an excellent managerial CV from spells with Everton, West Ham, Man United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland.
His work since returning to Everton has strengthened his reputation again.
Moyes has brought greater organisation and resilience to the Merseyside club, qualities Celtic may feel are needed after their recent defensive problems.
Convincing him to leave the Premier League would still be a major challenge. Everton could offer him another contract, while other vacancies may emerge before the summer.
For now, Celtic are considering their options rather than preparing an immediate change, and O’Neill still has time to rescue the European campaign and maintain control of the title race.
