Celtic threw away the lead after wasting several good chances

Gordon Strachan was stunned to see Celtic's miserable away record in the Champions League continue in Aalborg.

"It was there to be won but our inability to keep a clean sheet has been our downfall," said the manager.

"We had great chances but I did think 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 it was one of our better performances."

The defeat in Denmark means Celtic have picked up just one point from 18 matches on their travels in the group stages of the competition.

Manchester United's goalless draw in Villarreal means they both qualify for the last 16, with Aalborg claiming third spot in Group E and the Uefa Cup slot.

Celtic have scored just twice and picked up only two points from home draws against Aalborg and Manchester United but, despite three losses on their travels, Strachan has seen improvement from his side.

It is probably the worst blow we've had to take over the years Stephen McManus, Celtic captain

"Our performances away from home have been better this season," he continued. "We played well in Villarreal and again tonight. Some players were superb; Barry Robson, Gary Caldwell, Scott Brown.

"This ranks up with one of the best away displays but as a manager you can only ask players to do so much.

"They are sitting in the dressing room listening to people singing who probably can't believe they have won a game of football.

"But we like to think that we are a big club and that we can handle defeat.

"We will not say that Aalborg were lucky. We had it in our own hands to win and we are not going to look anywhere else.

"I couldn't fault any of the players, I really couldn't."

Barry Robson had headed Celtic in front early in the second half only for a deflected Caca strike to level the game and a late own goal from Gary Caldwell handed the home team the win.

"It was horrendous in the dressing room, the boys are devastated," said captain Stephen McManus. "It is probably the worst blow we've had to take over the years.

"It is doubly disappointing because we were in control of the game.

"If you get beat by the better side with two top-quality goals then you can hold your hands up but when you are on top, and give two goals away like that then it is horrendous."

Aalborg manager Allan Kuhn thought it had been a pretty even match but did admit to enjoying some luck.

"When we got a deflected goal from 30 yards, I sensed we were going to go on and get the victory.

"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.

"When you have brave hearts you always have a chance to win football games and I think the boys were 100% brave hearts."

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