Celtic finishing at least third in Champions League ‘absolutely vital’ after Lazio ‘hammer blow’

Brendan Rodgers’ men look on course for a first point in the section against Lazio at Parkhead last night only to suffer last-gasp heartbreak as Pedro headed superbly into the far corner beyond Joe Hart

Celtic have been told that AT LEAST third place in the Champions League group is ‘absolutely vital’ as they must show progression.

Brendan Rodgers’ men looked on course for a first point in the section against Lazio at Parkhead last night only to suffer last-gasp heartbreak as Pedro headed superbly into the far corner beyond Joe Hart to leave the Hoops No1 helpless and spark wild scenes in the small band of travelling fans in Glasgow’s east end.

Luis Palma thought he had fired the Scottish champions ahead with just 10 minutes to play as Celtic Park erupted into a wall of noise as his effort hit the back of the net but following a goal review, VAR ruled out his effort for offside after the slightest touch from Daizen Maeda as the ball made its way towards the former Aris man. That coupled up with the goal at the death left the players and supporters distraught as they sit bottom with zero points after two games with back to back clashes against La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid to come next.

Kyogo Furuhashi had fired the hosts ahead to net his first Champions League goal after a superb passing, flowing move from Celtic. But they were outdone by a cheap goal at a set play to level the game on the half hour mark. Reo Hatate was denied by a smart low save with Alistair Johnston smashing the follow up over the bar as the Hoops pushed for the crucial second. Palma’s VAR moment then arrived before Pedro stole the headlines and points to put the Serie A side on four points after their opening game draw in Rome.

Pundit and Celtic legend Pat Bonner believes his old side didn’t deserve to lose the game describing the defeat as a ‘hammer blow’ and he says they MUST finish at least third and secure Europa League football after Christmas after finishing fourth last term under Ange Postecoglou.

He told BBC Sportsound : “Celtic didn’t deserve to lose the game. There were periods where they were very good, and ones where they gave the ball away.

“You can’t take chances like they did, though, you have to clear your lines and at the death, they didn’t do that. I thought Celtic were in the ascendancy, too. It’s a hammer blow.