Celtic’s Europa League campaign took another damaging blow as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Midtjylland, leaving them rooted near the bottom of the table with just one point from three matches. 

The loss marked Martin O’Neill’s first setback since his emotional return to the club, exposing familiar defensive frailties in a disastrous first half.

The Danish side, maintaining their flawless record in the competition, struck three times in a ruthless eight-minute spell before the interval. 

Midtjylland had already threatened early, with Franculino, Kevin Mbabu, and Mads Bech all going close. Cho Gue-Sung then forced a superb sprawling save from Kasper Schmeichel, only to smash the rebound into Anthony Ralston’s face.

The opener arrived in the 33rd minute from a recycled corner. Martin Erlic outjumped the Celtic defense to power a header beyond Schmeichel. Barely 98 seconds later, Mikel Gogorza, who had provided the assist for the first, doubled the lead. 

Cutting in from the left, he weaved past two defenders and curled an exquisite shot into the far corner.

Franculino completed the blitz four minutes before halftime, latching onto a long throw-in and lofting a delicate finish over the stranded Schmeichel into the top-left corner. His dynamic display had tormented Celtic throughout the opening period.

The hosts controlled the second half with greater comfort until the 78th minute, when Erlic clumsily fouled debutant Callum Osmand in the box.

Reo Hatate stepped up to dispatch the penalty coolly into the bottom-left corner, offering a glimmer of hope. 

However, Celtic’s rally fizzled out. Lee Han-Beom produced a vital slide to deny Michel-Ange Balikwisha a simple tap-in moments later, ensuring Midtjylland held firm.

O’Neill’s side now face an uphill battle to progress, their early collapse underscoring the scale of the rebuilding task ahead in Europe.