‘What a performance’ – Elena Sadiku ‘Very proud’ of Celtic Players Despite Narrow Loss to Chelsea

Celtic Women boss Elena Sadiku is proud of her players despite a narrow loss to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League last night.

The Ghirls welcomed the English side to Celtic Park on matchday three of the group stage for a hotly anticipated encounter.

After losing to FC Twente and the might of Real Madrid in their opening two fixtures, the Hoops were looking to get their first points on the board in their first-ever appearance in the Champions League proper.

Although they lost, Sadiku’s side still created a historic moment, scoring their maiden goal in European Football’s elite club comPetition.

Murphy Agnew latched onto a sublime ball in behind the Chelsea defence and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to put the Celts ahead and spark jubilant scenes early on.

Chelsea, though, bagged a quick-fire double to turn the game on its head by half time. Maika Hamano and Ashley Lawrence both scored in quick succession to put the visitors ahead.

Celtic pressed on and tried to find a leveller, but their efforts were of no avail. Although boss Sadiku was slightly disappointed post-match, she couldn’t fault her players’ efforts: “I’m gutted because I think we deserved more,” she said [BBC Sport Scotland].

“But I’m very, very proud of the girls. What a performance, what an effort. They followed the Game plan exactly how I wanted them to do so.

“It’s not only that; I talked about being confident and brave before the game, and I think if you look at that game, you can see players being confident. I’m very pleased and very proud.”

After the disappointing result against Chelsea, Celtic turn their attention back to league action and a colossal Glasgow derby on Sunday.

The Ghirls welcome Rangers to New Douglas Park at midday before heading down to London for the return tie against Chelsea next Wednesday.