UEFA Champions League Villareal 1 Celtic:VILLARREAL CAPTAIN Marcos Senna's brilliant free-kick consigned Celtic to yet another defeat on their Champions League travels. The Hoops had taken one point from a possible 45 away from Parkhead in this stage of the competition before their second Group E game of this campaign. Make that one from 48 now.
Celtic striker Georgios Samaras squandered a great chance just before the interval when he fired straight at Diego Lopez. And the visitors were made to pay for that miss after Paul Hartley fouled Joseba Llorente 25 yards from goal as Senna curled the ball past Artur Boruc who had yet another busy evening.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan's bold line-up, packed with attack-minded players, promised a more open game than in their recent barren seasons away in Europe. But after 90 minutes of mostly chasing a slick-moving Villareal, their future in this season's competition was left in real doubt.
They will need to find something special if they are to get past Manchester United or Villarreal to reach the last 16 for the third season in succession.
It was a long night for Celtic. Joseba Llorente fired a volley just over the bar within two minutes to hint at the potency of the home side. Then, in the 14th minute, Villarreal midfielder Sebastian Eguren headed Rossi's cross well past the post from 10 yards when it seemed easier to beat Boruc.
Villarreal slowly began to build momentum and Boruc, after a second of consideration, had to rush from his goals to block Giuseppe Rossi and Llorente carelessly curled it wide of the target.
Then Llorente headed Senna's corner straight into the arms of Boruc from 12 yards.
The visitors responded and Aiden McGeady flashed a 25-yard drive two yards wide.
Inspired by former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires the home side were undoubtedly in control.
But three minutes from the break, Celtic passed up on the best chance of the half. Samaras broke free of the Villarreal defence to race on to a Mark Wilson pass but the former Manchester City striker was too casual with his shot from 14 yards, allowing Diego Lopez to block.
Celtic won a corner in the 48th minute and from Shunsuke Nakamura's cross, Gary Caldwell's header towards goal was helped on its way by captain Stephen McManus but the ball landed fortuitously in the arms of Diego Lopez.
Santi Cazorla and Senna tested Boruc before in the 67th minute, after Hartley had fouled Llorente 25 yards from goal, Senna curled the free-kick superbly past Boruc and El Madrigal erupted.
Celtic manager Strachan threw on Scott McDonald for Shaun Maloney and Barry Robson for Nakamura to try to salvage something. The equaliser almost arrived in the 75th minute when McDonald sent a wonderful dipping volley just over the bar.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink replaced Hartley as Celtic went for broke. But Boruc had to produce late saves to deny Llorente and in the 89th minute Santi Cazorla whose drive which was heading for the bottom corner, leaving the scoreline respectable but ultimately bringing Celtic no reward.
VILLARREAL:Diego Lopez, Angel, Rodriguez, Godin, Capdevila, Santi Cazorla (Cani 90), Senna, Eguren, Pires (Bruno 83), Llorente, Rossi (Ibagaza 77). Subs not used: Viera, Edmilson, Javi Venta, Fuentes.
CELTIC:Boruc, Wilson, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura (Robson 74), Scott Brown, Maloney (McDonald 72), Hartley (Vennegoor of Hesselink 82), McGeady, Samaras.
Subs not used:Mark Brown, Crosas, Loovens, Caddis. Booked: Robson, S Brown.
Referee:Viktor Kassai (Hungary). Attendance:25,000
Guardian Service
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