Dortmund’s incredible xG which highlights Celtic’s failings | OneFootball

Celtic were heavily beaten by Borussia Dortmund on Matchday Two of the UEFA Champions League. Brendan Rodgers’ side conceded five goals in the first half in a traumatised period for the Scottish Champions.

It has been revealed that Dortmund had an xG (expected goals) of 2.84 against Celtic’s 1.67. This results paints a fairly bleak picture as it says that based on the opportunities created in Dortmund, the hosts managed to severely over perform in front of goal. There are a number of factors behind that, but ultimately the failings are Celtic’s.

Celtic were slack in possession and surrendered it in phases that allowed Dortmund to break and to challenge. The ball was often lost with resistance fairly limited, allowing shots at goal. Kasper Schmeichel made a number of saves but realistically he will have been disappointed not to have done more for at least two of the goals.

Brendan said after the game that his team had their mistakes punished but it seemed to be more than that. There was a confidence in the hosts that wasn’t reciprocated by the Celts. Perhaps it is experience at this level but Celtic really looked like they were at sea in the game.

The Celtic manager will look to review his side’s approach for the game against Atalanta in Italy as well as the clash with more Bundesliga opponents under the lights in Glasgow’s East End. There can be no dwelling on the result, Celtic must regroup and put this defeat behind them as it will not define the season.