Europa League’s lighter ball possible reason for Schmeichel’s howler

The Hoops suffered a brutal 2-0 defeat in their second Europa League outing of the season, with Braga making history as the first Portuguese team to claim victory at Celtic Park following 12 failed attempts.

Veteran Danish goalkeeper Schmeichel came under fire for not saving Horta’s strike from distance, and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledged the 38 year-old would feel ‘disappointed’ by the mistake.

Horta revealed post-match that the lightness of the official UEFA ball allowed him to make it swerve through the air.

Speaking via Daily Record, the Braga playmaker said: “Europa League balls are actually lighter and they have different spins. So I decided to try my luck and it resulted in a goal. It was a very important victory.”

“We wanted to build on our first game, where we beat Feyenoord, because in this format, it’s so important to collect as many points as early as possible.”

Horta added: “We all put in a strong team performance and I want to congratulate my teammates. I wasn’t aware of the history behind the win – we were only caring about getting the three points.”

“But if we have made a milestone for Portuguese football, then that is a bonus,” he said.

Celtic return to action tomorrow afternoon against an impressive Motherwell side who will be licking their lips coming to Glasgow’s east end.

Unbeaten in six Premiership games, Jens Berthel Askou’s side have arguably played the best football in the league so far this campaign and won’t feel anxious coming to play the Scottish champions.

It is imperative for Rodgers and his players they get three points. Anything less would be damaging. The club needs a reset during the international break as it’s currently limping along just now.

Conor Spence

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