Celtic boss Rodgers given a reality check

CELTIC are facing Europa League elimination after a home defeat by Valencia. Brendan Rodgers’ side had won all seven of their games this year without conceding, but suffered a reality check against the classy Spaniards. ‘We gave it away and when you do that against good teams it kills your momentum and it puts you on the back foot,’ rued Rodgers. The Scottish champions

started strongly but conceded the opener because of a mistake and sloppy defending. Callum McGregor gave possession away cheaply and Ruben Sobrino was left one on one with Scott Bain, having beaten the offside trap after a

through ball by Daniel Parejo. Rather than shooting, Sobrino squared the ball to Denis Cheryshev and the Russia World Cup star tapped into an empty net on 42 minutes. Valencia, who are eighth in La Liga, doubled their lead in the 49th minute as dire defending cost Celtic again. Cheryshev was given space on the left wing and crossed for Sobrino, who fired home a volley from six yards.