First Celtic goals for Gary Hooper and Efrain Juarez proved to be the only highlights of the club's Champions League campaign after Paulo Cesar's first-half away goal killed off any slim hopes of a comeback against Sporting Braga. Slack defending from new full-back Cha Du-ri allowed Cesar to put Braga four goals ahead on aggregate midway through a disappointing first half for Neil Lennon's men. Hooper and Juarez salvaged some pride to win the game but Celtic never built up the attacking momentum needed to prevent them dropping into the Europa League play-off round. Celtic manager Neil Lennon handed striker Hooper a competitive debut, the introduction of the recent signing from Scunthorpe the only change to the team that lost 3-0 in Portugal in the first leg of the third qualifying round. Midfielder Ki Sung-yueng made way for Hooper, whose goalscoring appearance against Lyon on Saturday was his first pre-season match action. With Aiden McGeady considering a move to Spartak Moscow, Celtic started with Shaun Maloney and Efrain Juarez out wide. |