Celta Vigo boss Claudio Giraldez has criticised his players’ performance despite securing a 2-1 victory over Alaves just days before facing Celtic in the Europa League.

Ferran Jutgla and Javi Rodriguez scored second-half goals, but Celta needed late saves from goalkeeper Ionut Radu to protect their lead after Hugo Novoa pulled one back.

With Celtic fresh from hammering Hearts 7-1, Martin O’Neill will have taken an interest in Giraldez’s assessment ahead of Thursday’s meeting at Celtic Park.

Celtic's victory against Hearts may not be one of their biggest in SPFL history but it comes close. Where does that performance rank compared to their highest-scoring wins?

Since Hearts were a title rival last season, that's got to make it one of the best :thinking_face:

Claudio Giraldez blasts Celta Vigo performance ahead of Celtic clash

Giraldez told the Marca: “I’m happy with the result. The first half was very lacking in energy, with a very poor understanding of the game.

“In the second half, in terms of attitude, effort, jumping, and being more aggressive, we improved.

“The change of system at half-time allowed Javi Rodríguez and Carreira to cause them a lot of problems.”

The Celta boss was particularly unhappy with his players’ decisions in possession, even after they had established a two-goal advantage.

He continued: “We were lucky to be accurate in those moments, and when we had the game in our favour, but we made many absurd decisions.”

Giraldez also admitted victories have been difficult to come by for his side this season: “I’m not happy with the match. I think right now we need to start picking up points. We’re finding it very difficult to win.”

What Celta Vigo’s struggles mean for Celtic

Celta’s poor first-half performance offers Celtic encouragement, although the Spanish side showed how dangerous they can be after Giraldez changed his formation.

Rodriguez assisted Jutgla’s opener before scoring himself, while Carreira caused problems down the flank.

Celta have also lost both their opening Europa League fixtures against Omonia and Juventus. Celtic are still searching for their first points after a disastrous defeat to Benfica.

O’Neill’s side showed what they are capable of going forward against Hearts, but Celtic’s defending in Lisbon was nowhere near good enough.

Giraldez has openly questioned Celta’s energy and ball retention. Celtic now have an opportunity to put those weaknesses under pressure in front of their own supporters on Thursday night.