Celtic's hopes of competing in the knockout stages of this season's Europa League are hanging by a thread Celta Vigo struck twice in three second-half minutes to consign the Glasgow side to a third consecutive defeat in the competition. 

Martin O'Neill's men kept the slick Spaniards at bay throughout and even opening period, before taking the lead through a composed Mika Baur finish early in the second half.

Liam Scales came within inches of putting Celtic two goals in front with a looping header which came off the top of the upright. 

But the contest was flipped on its head when Javi Rodriguez bulleted home a header from close range on 68 minutes from a Hugo Alvarez set-piece, before the defender grabbed his second in quick succession with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.

The result leaves Celtic without a point from their first three fixtures and sitting second-bottom of the 36-team table with five matches to play.

Here, Kevin McKenna runs the rule over the home side on what was another miserable European night... 

CELTIC (4-3-3)

SAM JOHNSTONE — 5.5

Will be disappointed not to keep out the equaliser after getting a hand to Rodriguez’s header. Had no chance with the second. 

COLBY DONOVAN — 5

Started confidently but appeared to tire as the game wore on. Just couldn’t get to grips with the pace of Swedberg in the final stages. 

DANE MURRAY — 6

Made a number of terrific blocks to deny the visitors from range and looked fairly solid, before allowing Rodriguez to steal a yard to level. 

LIAM SCALES — 6

Caught too high up the park on a couple of occasions as Celta exploited the gaps. Unlucky to see a header hit the upright.

KIERAN TIERNEY — 6

Put in several dangerous crosses from the left-hand side without getting his rewards. Kept Iago Aspas relatively quiet. 

CALLUM MCGREGOR — 5

Oddly subdued performance from the skipper, who struggled to have any impact. Dreadful clearance led to the visitors’ winner. 

MIKA BAUR — 8

Capped a fine performance in the middle with a brilliantly taken volley to put Celtic in front. Tried to play forward at every opportunity. 

BENJAMIN NYGREN — 6

Grew into the contest after the first half hour largely passed him by. Saw powerful strike blocked by Radu from a tight angle. 

HAISSEM HASSAN — 6

Delivery hit-and-miss all night, but did produce one moment of quality to set up Baur. Guilty of switching off at the other end at times. 

CALLUM OSMAND — 7

The home side’s biggest threat in the opening period, although should have done better with a curling effort from 20 yards. 

CAMILO DURAN — 6

Left chasing a lot of lost causes but stuck to his task well and put himself about. Barely got a sniff inside the Celta box. 

SUBSTITUTES: Forrest (Osmand 58), Hogh (Hassan 72), Sorenson (Baur 79), Tounekti (Duran 79). 

MARTIN O'NEILL — 5

Cut a frustrated figure on the touchline his side threw their lead away. Europa League progression already looks a long shot. 

CELTA VIGO (3-4-3): Radu 6; Rodriguez 8, Cacares 6, Alonso 6; Rueda 6.5 (Antanon 85), Febas 6.5, Burcio 6 (Moroba 63), Carreira 7; Iago Aspas 6 (Swedberg 63), Jutgla 6 (Duran 77), Alvarez 6 (Galan 85).

REFEREE: Georgi Kabakov (BUL).