Celtic, Monaco out
> Both teams fail to make Champions League grade, Shakthar through
Aheader by Markus Rosenberg and an own goal from Dedryck Boyata condemned Scottish champions Celtic to a second successive season without the riches to be accrued from the Champions League group stage as Malmo beat them 2-0 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate in their playoff yesterday.
They were not the only high profile casualties as last season’s quarterfinalists Monaco exited despite coming from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 at home, but lost 4-3 on aggregate.
The cost to Celtic may be felt immediately as it could prompt talented defender Virgil van Dijk to jump at the chance of a prestigious move to English Premier League side Southampton.
Celtic manager Ronny Deila, though, is loathe to part with him.
“We don’t have to sell Virgil van Dijk, but you never know in football,” said the Norwegian.
“The hype about the Champions League is a big thing. Everybody wants it so badly.”
Valencia had all but wrapped up business after four minutes, Alvaro Negredo chipping Subasic brilliantly with the ball going into the far corner.
The hosts, needing three goals to even take it to extra-time, replied almost immediately, Italian defender Andrea Raggi firing the ball past Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from the edge of the area.
Monaco gave themselves a glimmer of hope with 15 minutes remaining as Nigerian defender Elderson knocked the ball into the net after Ryan had saved from Thomas Lemar.
Another side who reached the knockout stages last season also failed to get over the playoff hurdle this time round as Basel, who progressed at the expense of Liverpool in last season’s competition, exited after a 1-1 draw in Israel against Maccabi Tel-Avi saw the hosts progress on the away goals rule, the tie finishing 3-3 on aggregate.
Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk did make it through – they have appeared in the group stage on every occasions since the 2009/10 campaign – but were made to work hard for it drawing 2-2 at home to Rapid Vienna to qualify 3-2 on aggregate.