Failure to keep clean sheet cost us says Strachan

Celtic were eliminated from European competition Tuesday, their dismal away record in the Champions League continuing after they went down to a late goal to lose 2-1 in Aalborg.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, in charge of his 25th European tie, had to rue his side's missed chances as the Parkhead club's travel troubles continued.

Manchester United's goalless draw in Villareal means they both qualify for the last 16 with Aalborg claiming third spot and the UEFA Cup slot.

The Parkhead club, who have now only taken one point from 18 away matches, had started brightly and Barry Robson gave them a well deserved lead.

But Aalborg struck back with a deflected goal from midfielder Caca and then a late own goal from Gary Caldwelll.

Strachan said his side hadn't taken their chances and then had been caught napping at the back.

“It was there to be won but our inability to keep a clean sheet has been our downfall,” said Strachan.

“I did think tonight that one goal would have been enough as I didn't see any real threat to us, that's why it's so disappointing.

“I really can't explain it but it's happened again. It's unbelievable as tonight was one of our better performances.”

Aalborg manager Allan Kuhn said it had been a pretty even match.

“Celtic had some good moments and we had some good moments. It wasn't the greatest football match in the world but that's life,” said Kuhn.

“When you have brave hearts you always have a chance to win football games and I think the boys were 100 per cent brave hearts today.”

Georgios Samaras could have given Celtic the perfect start in the sixth minute. Shunsuke Nakamura curled a perfect cross into the box from the left wing but the onrushing Greek striker just failed to connect with it as he slid in.

Japanese international Nakamura missed an even better chance three minutes later. Scott McDonald played the midfielder in but he blasted his left-foot effort high over the bar with only Karim Zaza to beat.

In the 21st minute Martin Pedersen floated in a free-kick from 35 yards out which was headed on by Michael Jakobsen at the edge of the box but Artur Boruc did well to shepherd the ball out as Jeppe Curth rushed in.

Aalborg came close in the 35th minute when the Celtic defenders were caught out.

Thomas Enevoldsen's vicious inswinging free-kick found the free head of Jakobsen but Boruc did well to tip his effort over the bar.

Samaras should have done better when he was presented with a great chance in the box after 40 minutes.

Nakamura swung a free-kick in from the left but the Greek international headed well wide of the post under no pressure from the Aalborg defence.

Celtic broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Robson.

The midfielder, who had missed a penalty when the two sides met at Parkhead, beat Martin Pedersen to a Mark Wilson cross from the left and fired a bullet header past the helpless Zaza into the net.

Aalborg got back on level terms after 73 minutes. Midfielder Caca unleashed a shot from 30 yards which took a wicked deflection off Celtic captain Stephen McManus and looped over Boruc and into the net.

Celtic's hearts were broken when Caldwell scored an own goal in the 88th minute.

Andreas Johansson fired a cross in from the right which Glenn Loovens attempted to clear but it hit off Caldwell and flew past Boruc.

Substitute Cillian Sheridan came close to connecting with a cross in the final minute but the Danish champions held on to claim the win and a place in the UEFA Cup.