Her is a news article on the title "Martin O’Neill says Celtic endured ‘tough evening’ in Midtjylland defeat":

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has described Celtic's defeat to Midtjylland as a "tough evening" for the club, highlighting the challenges they faced in the Champions League qualifier. The match, which saw Celtic exit the competition, has prompted considerable discussion about the team's performance and future prospects.

Celtic's journey in the Champions League came to an abrupt end following a 2-1 defeat to Midtjylland in Denmark, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate loss. The early exit from the prestigious tournament has been a significant setback for the club, impacting not only their European ambitions but also their financial outlook. The loss means Celtic will now compete in the Europa League play-off round.

O’Neill, who managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, acknowledged the difficulties inherent in European football, particularly the importance of securing a positive result in the home leg. Speaking to the media, O’Neill emphasized that while Celtic had opportunities, they ultimately fell short against a well-organized Midtjylland side. He noted the importance of learning from the experience and focusing on domestic competitions.

The match itself was a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying attacking intent. However, Midtjylland's clinical finishing and solid defensive structure proved decisive. Celtic, despite creating several scoring chances, were unable to capitalize fully, a factor that O’Neill pointed out as crucial in determining the outcome.

The defeat has led to questions about Celtic's squad depth and tactical approach. Critics have pointed to the need for reinforcements in key positions and a more robust strategy to navigate the challenges of European football. The early exit also places additional pressure on the manager to deliver results in the domestic league, where competition is expected to be fierce.

Looking ahead, Celtic will need to regroup quickly and refocus their efforts on the Europa League play-off round. A successful run in the Europa League could provide a valuable opportunity to restore confidence and gain crucial experience for the team. Furthermore, the club will be aiming to strengthen its squad during the transfer window to better compete on both domestic and European fronts.

The loss to Midtjylland serves as a reminder of the high standards required to succeed in European football. O’Neill's assessment of a "tough evening" encapsulates the disappointment felt by Celtic supporters and underscores the challenges facing the club as they seek to rebuild and compete at the highest level.