Celtic have been knocked out of European football for the 2023/24 season after losing 2-0 away to Lazio on Tuesday night.

Brendan Rodgers’ side needed a victory to keep hopes of a last-16 berth in the Champions League or a parachute into the UEFA Europa League alive.

In isolation, the performance was decent, but again frustrating. Celtic were competitive for a large chunk of the 90 minutes but just couldn’t find that cutting edge in the opposition half.

Eventually, as the Bhoys pushed forward for a vital winner, they were punished by the quality of Ciro Immobile. He was substituted into the match during the second half to devastating effect, netting goals in the 82nd and 85th minute.

It’s now guaranteed that the Bhoys will finish bottom of Group E with a game to spare. Only the hope of a consolation win over Feyenoord at Celtic Park remains on the final matchday next month.

Chris Sutton shares thoughts on Celtic vs Lazio

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton felt the Bhoys were a little passive in the first half, not showing enough urgency to create anything despite the predicament of needing a win.

He said on social media at half-time: “Not a classic. Celtic have defended well but other than the odd bit of good movement from Kyogo really lacking ideas and combinations in the final third.

“Understandable maybe that Celtic are cautious for many reasons but eventually they need to be braver on the ball higher up.

He said on social media at half-time: “Not a classic. Celtic have defended well but other than the odd bit of good movement from Kyogo really lacking ideas and combinations in the final third.

“Understandable maybe that Celtic are cautious for many reasons but eventually they need to be braver on the ball higher up.

Celtic have been competitive in four of the five games completed. Some fans, like Sutton, will feel Lazio were there for the taking had there been a better investment in the first team over the summer months.

A strong January transfer window is required. There are few excuses not to invest in the squad.

The focus will be on winning the league again and building towards another tilt in this competition, with the format set to radically change in the 2024/25 season.

There are eight Champions League games for Celtic next season if qualified. Europe can’t be seen as a fantastical luxury when it becomes an even bigger percentage of the campaign.

The club need to realign benchmarks and find a better balance between financial strength and on-the-pitch ambition.

In other news, Interest in Mathias Kvistgaarden is heating up after Celtic reports.