Celtic’s long-awaited debut in the Women’s Champions League ended in disappointment as a clinical brace from Kayleigh van Dooren saw Dutch champions Twente secure a 2-0 victory in Hamilton. The defeat marked Celtic’s first loss of the season and a harsh lesson in the challenges of European competition. Despite a bright start from the Scottish champions, Twente’s experience in Europe’s elite competition ultimately proved decisive.
A Confident Start, but Twente Take Control
Playing at their new home, New Douglas Park, Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side began the game with energy and determination. The early stages saw the Scottish champions pressing high up the pitch, trying to unsettle their more experienced opponents. Celtic looked confident, buoyed by an unbeaten domestic run, and sought to make an immediate impact in their first-ever Women’s Champions League appearance.
However, Twente, making their 10th appearance in the competition, were unfazed by Celtic’s early intensity. The Dutch side weathered the initial storm, managing Celtic’s enthusiasm and gradually settling into their rhythm. As the match progressed, Twente began to assert their dominance, showing the composure and control that comes with European experience.
Van Dooren Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came just before halftime when a long ball over Celtic’s defense caught them off guard. Goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty rushed off her line in an attempt to clear the danger, but Kayleigh van Dooren anticipated the move perfectly. With calm precision, the Netherlands international lobbed the ball over the onrushing Daugherty, finding the back of the net to give Twente a 1-0 lead.
It was a goal that underscored the tactical awareness and clinical finishing of Twente. While Celtic had shown promise in the opening exchanges, it was the visitors who struck at the crucial moment, taking the lead right before the break.
Celtic’s Fightback Falls Short
Celtic are not a team accustomed to falling behind, having gone unbeaten in domestic competition leading up to this match. Their reaction to adversity had been on display just a week earlier, when they clawed back a two-goal deficit against Rangers to secure a draw. With that fighting spirit in mind, there was hope that Celtic could mount a similar comeback against Twente.
In the second half, Celtic carved out a couple of opportunities to level the score. Murphy Agnew and Caitlin Hayes found themselves in promising positions inside the box, but both failed to convert their chances. Agnew’s shot was blocked, and Hayes’ header sailed over the bar, leaving Celtic to rue their missed opportunities. Against a side of Twente’s quality, such missed chances are often punished.
Van Dooren Strikes Again to Seal the Win
As Celtic pushed forward in search of an equalizer, gaps began to appear in their defense. Twente, patient and organized, waited for the right moment to strike again. With the game entering its final stages, van Dooren delivered the knockout blow. Latching onto a well-placed pass, she powered a shot past Daugherty, doubling Twente’s lead and all but sealing Celtic’s fate.
The second goal was a testament to van Dooren’s finishing ability and Twente’s efficient play. While Celtic had shown resilience and flashes of creativity, they were ultimately undone by Twente’s superior experience and clinical edge. Van Dooren’s second strike left Celtic wondering what might have been, as their debut in the Women’s Champions League ended in defeat.
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