Brendan Rodgers’ team lost 3-1 to Barcelona at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and were comfortably the second-best side on show throughout.
Celtic defender Efe Ambrose scored a clumsy own-goal, and his withdrawal appeared to bring cheers from a section of the Celtic support. Rodgers defended the player following the game, and praised Eoghan O’Connell, the young Irish defender playing his third game in a week for the Hoops.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique reserved his praise for Patrick Roberts, however, after the former Fulham man emerged as the stand-out player for Celtic on Saturday evening.
The 19-year-old, on-loan from Manchester City, caused trouble down Barcelona’s right-hand side, going on a number of impressive runs, and caught the eye of the Barca boss.
“Patrick Roberts is a great player and he has a great future in the game,” Enrique said following the game, when asked about the winger’s performance.
“He has great quality and I expect he will be important for Celtic.”
Barcelona’s manager also praised Celtic’s support, and wished Rodgers’ side well in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League group stages.
“I expect that they will go through. It’s great to have a crowd and supporters like that in the Champions League.”
There's not much happening on the pitch, but Celtic fans seem to be enjoying themselves #CelticBarcahttps://t.co/nmlg4lropX
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 30, 2016
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