Celtic botches Europa League opener – Rod arrives as good luck charm for Sunday's derby

Celtic Football Club have found themselves in a mini-crisis at the worst possible time. Four days after their humiliating 3-0 defeat in the Scottish League Cup against arch-rivals Rangers, Martin O'Neill's men suffered another loss in their UEFA Europa League opener, falling 3-1 (2-1) to Hungarian side Ferencvaros Budapest.

Especially in the first half, the Hoops struggled to find their footing and fell behind after 20 minutes through Bamidele Yusuf. New signing Mika Baur equalized just before halftime (44'), but Kristoffer Zachariassen restored the visitors' lead just seconds later, making it 3-1 at the break (45+1).

The Hoops were particularly outmatched in the first half and fell behind after 20 minutes through Bamidele Yusuf. After Celtic legend O'Neill's halftime pep talk, the Hoops wanted to improve in the second half, but Daniel Arzani increased the Hungarians' lead to 3-1 in the 47th minute.

In the remainder of the match, Celtic tried hard to improve the scoreline, but all their efforts came to nothing.

This defeat not only spoils the Scottish champions' start to the league campaign, but also puts them in a mini-crisis just before their next clash with Rangers on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Celtic Park. However, a home win against their arch-rivals should quickly calm things down. Another defeat, however, would not only deeply affect Celtic fans, but would also lead to increasing criticism from within the club.

On Sunday, the Bhoys in Green can count on the support of superfan Sir Rod, who has announced his attendance. A good omen, as the last time the singer visited Celtic Park, the Hoops won 3-0 against LASK Linz.