Celtic’s Europa Conference League campaign ended at the first hurdle as they went down 2-0 and 5-1 on aggregate to Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.
The damage had primarily been done in last week’s first leg, with Bodo/Glimt holding a 3-1 aggregate lead heading into Thursday’s encounter in the Arctic Circle.
Yet an abject start from Celtic allowed Ola Solbakken to put the home side further ahead.
With Joe Hart having to make some excellent saves to keep the scoreline down.
Despite improvements after the break, Celtic were 2-0 down when Hugo Vetlesen steered home to add gloss to an acceptable two-legged performance from Bodo/Glimt, who take their place in the last 16.
Solbakken played a pivotal part in one of Bodo/Glimt’s goals in the first leg.
And the 23-year-old needed just nine minutes to put the hosts ahead as he placed a crisp across Hart.
Celtic’s goalkeeper kept the Hoops’ swiftly diminishing hopes alive when he denied Amahl Pellegrino soon after.
Also, with Bodo/Glimt having five shots inside the opening 20 minutes.
Hart made a fantastic stop eight minutes before half-time, once again keeping Pellegrino at bay.
After the break, Liel Abada and Callum McGregor were infected with some resolved into Celtic.
And the visitors did improve, having a penalty appeal for handball turned down in the 51st minute.
Maeda lashed over, but Postecoglou’s team never looked likely to have enough to turn the deficit around.
Celtic was down and out when Vetlesen finished calmly from Morten Agnes Konradsen’s cross.
What does it mean? Free-scoring Norwegians keep up a home record.
Bodo/Glimt has scored in five straight Conference League games and has not been shut out since a group stage draw against CSKA Sofia.
While they also have a 100 per cent record on home turf, with four wins from four, scoring 13 goals.
Indeed, they are on a 14-match unbeaten streak at home across all competitions.
Celtic, meanwhile, will switch focus to regaining the title in Scotland.
They hold a three-point lead over the Rangers as it stands.
Solbakken looking sharp.
Solbakken has scored five goals in the Conference League after his excellent shot nine minutes in.
The forward has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, and it is easy to see why, given his stature, running technique and finishing prowess.
The expected goals value for his strike was just 0.08, meaning he essentially had just an eight per cent chance of putting it away.
What’s next?
Bodo/Glimt are still in pre-season, and they will find out their last-16 opponents in Friday’s draw, with those ties to be played on March 10 and 17. Celtic play Hibernian on Sunday.
Likewise, for more football news like this, click here.
