Celtic’s Champions League Hopes Dwindle After Goalless Draw with Young Boys

GLASGOW, Scotland — Celtic‘s hopes of advancing in the UEFA Champions League took a hit Wednesday night as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Swiss side Young Boys at Celtic Park. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Scottish champions failed to capitalize, leaving their knockout stage aspirations hanging by a thread.

The match saw Celtic miss a penalty and have three goals disallowed, all from striker Kyogo Furuhashi, due to offside calls. Arne Engels, who had been perfect from the spot this season, saw his 27th-minute penalty saved by Young Boys goalkeeper Marvin Keller. “It’s a good save from a poor penalty,” said former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart on TNT Sports. “Engels wanted him to go early, and he didn’t.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had emphasized the importance of the match, stating that a win would demonstrate his team’s maturity and earn respect on the European stage. However, his side’s inability to convert chances left them with just one point from their last five Champions League matches. “We’ve done everything right, we’ve played really well, and deserve to be in front,” said former Celtic manager Neil Lennon on TNT Sports. “The goal’s going to come; there’s no need to panic.”

Young Boys, who sit at the bottom of the Champions League group with zero points, defended resolutely and relied on counterattacks. Their interim manager, Giorgio Contini, praised his team’s bravery and discipline. “We prepared well, and it’s important we are brave and play with courage,” he said. “We need to fight for every ball for 90 minutes.”

Celtic’s frustration was compounded by VAR decisions, which ruled out three goals for offside. “Losing count of the number of times Celtic have had goals chalked off,” remarked BBC Sport Scotland‘s David Currie. “That’s three, right?”

With one group stage match remaining, Celtic must now rely on other results to have any chance of progressing. Rodgers remained optimistic, saying, “The Champions League story so far has been, in the main, really good for us, especially at home. We’re starting to see that we really can compete.”

Young Boys, meanwhile, will look to build on their defensive performance as they aim to salvage pride in their final group game. The Swiss side has yet to win an away match in the Champions League, but their resilience in Glasgow could provide a foundation for future improvement.