Long before the final shrill blast of the referee’s whistle pierced the night air, a sense of acceptance had enveloped Celtic Park.
The latter stages of the Champions League remain strictly off-limits for Ange Postecoglou’s for the time being, at least.
For all the Australian’s men couldn’t be faulted for effort over the course of their opening four games, a lack of experience at this most unforgiving level has done for them.
Too many missed chances. Too many errors. Not enough ice in their veins. They’ll have to chalk this one up to experience and try to go again next year.