It was easy to see why Midtjylland were one of only three teams with their 100% record in this season’s UEL still intact, as they played with real confidence throughout a dominant first half.
That said, Benjamin Nygren had a good chance early on for Celtic when his effort from the edge of the area cleared the crossbar. This would prove to be a rare bright moment for the Hoops, as the Danish wolves produced a devastating seven-minute salvo to all but decide the contest before halftime.
After Dario Osorio had seen his first-time volley from 30 yards brilliantly saved by Kasper Schmeichel, the Danes took the lead moments later when Mikel Gogorza’s chipped ball from the byline found Martin Erlic unmarked at the back post, with the striker nodding into an unguarded net from point-blank range.
It was 2-0 just two minutes later when Gogorza skipped past two would-be tacklers and sent his right-footed effort from inside the area curling into the far right corner of the net, before Franculino Dju rounded off a near-perfect first half when his curling effort found its way through a host of bodies for his 13th goal of an impressive campaign.
Although a club with the stature of Celtic will never roll over and accept defeat, the second half was always going to be a damage limitation exercise for the reigning Scottish champions.
While the return of the iconic Martin O’Neill to the Celtic dugout had resulted in wins over Falkirk and, more notably, Rangers last Sunday, this was a different test altogether as they looked well short of the level required. The home side had opportunities to extend their lead with Denil Castillo shooting just wide of the left post, with Júnior Brumado and Valdemar Byskov forcing saves out of Schmeichel.
The visitors gave their travelling supporters something to cheer about when substitute Reo Hatate netted from the penalty spot. Still, it proved nothing more than a consolation as Celtic’s winless run away from home in Europe now stands at 15 matches.
It’s an altogether different story for Midtjylland, though, as they remain unbeaten in Europe this season, with all four of their victories being accompanied by clean sheets, as they proudly sit top of the standings.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mikel Gogorza (FC Midtjylland)