Dec 18,2024
FC Twente 3-0 Celtic
Republic of Ireland defender Caitlin Hayes was part of a Celtic side that concluded a debut campaign in the Women's Champions League group stage with another loss as they were beaten 3-0 at Twente.
Hayes, who made her 100th appearance for the club last season, was at the heart of the Celtic defence that came unstuck in the 20th minute when Kayleigh van Dooren’s put the hosts ahead.
Celtic then scored two own goals before the break, via 18-year-old goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers and Natalie Ross as they fell to a sixth defeat from as many games in Group B.
While Elena Sadiku’s Ghirls finished bottom of the pool, third-placed Twente ended up with six points, having also defeated Celtic 2-0 in their opener.
The Dutch side threatened early with Van Dooren – scorer of both goals in that initial encounter – firing a shot against the crossbar in the 10th minute.
Amy Gallacher subsequently saw a shot blocked at the other end before Twente had a goal disallowed, Danique van Ginkel’s effort ruled out for offside, and they then went ahead when Van Dooren received the ball from Alieke Tuin and slotted past Rodgers.
Celtic had a chance to equalise eight minutes later but Caitlin Hayes’ strike was saved by Danielle de Jong.
And six minutes on from that, Twente’s advantage was doubled as Rodgers inadvertently diverted the ball into her net as she tried to punch away a corner.
Celtic’s misfortune continued with two minutes of normal time remaining in the first half when another corner went in off Ross’ leg.
In a second half that followed low on incident, Twente’s Sophie te Brake shot wide and De Jong kept out an attempt from Jenny Smith, who had come on for Celtic at the interval.
There was a painful end to the game for Twente substitute Daniela Galic as the midfielder departed injured, eight minutes after coming on, following a collision with Morgan Cross.
