Celtic failed to hold on to a half time lead and succumbed 2-1 in Israel to Hapoel Tel-Aviv in their Europa League Group C opener. The Hoops deservedly took the lead when Georgios Samaras fired home on 25 minutes.
The Scots controlled the rest of the half, but a poor second 45 minutes was to end in disappointing failure.
Hapoel were rejuvenated after the break and Nemanja Vucicevic slammed in the leveller with fifteen minutes remaining before Maaran Lala stabbed in the winner from close range on 88 minutes.
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray blamed the Israeli heat for draining his players.
"The conditions were very demanding, covering that extra yard became more difficult," said a dejected Mowbray.
"Our concentration levels in last 15 minutes weren't as high as they had been, but let's not take anything away from our opponents.
"Hapoel are a good team, they played well and probably deserved the win."
"We're really disappointed to lose in the manner we did with the two late goals," added Mowbray.
"I can't fault the players' effort. I thought they stuck to the game plan very well.
"But we played against a decent side and you could feel they were building up momentum, probably at a time where it was the most draining period of the game for our team.
"They are all tough games away from home; we gave ourselves a chance but ultimately it didn't pan out for us and things fell their way.
"For 75 minutes we made it difficult for the opposition and got our noses in front.
"I was hoping we could have broken away and scored a second as they were pressing to get an equaliser.
"We were always going to allow Hapoel plenty of possession in their own half. It wasn't a day for us to go pressing high up the pitch.
"We didn't sit in after the goal. The conditions wouldn't allow us to be open and expansive in attack.
"It was a difficult night for all our players. Scott Brown is a player who bases his whole game on his energy levels, his drive and athleticism and it wasn't a night for that.
"But for long spells he did just what he was asked to do."
