Celtic were brought right back down to earth by a clinical Juventus, as Paris Saint Germian took a big advantage in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League Tuesday.
The Scottish champions were hoping to emulate the incredible victory over Barcelona earlier in the group stages, but it never happened as Juventus cruised to a 3-0 victory, despite not really being at their best.
Goals from Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic consigned Celtic to a big loss at home, and now their chances of making the quarterfinals are slim at best going into the second leg in Turin.
"My players were very good because Celtic exceeded their limits and it was not easy at all to resist their pressure," Juventus manager Antonio Conte said. "I congratulate Celtic for the game they played and for their spirit.
"Celtic have not achieved great (European) results in recent years, a bit like us, but don't be fooled: they are a very good side.
"They did not beat Barcelona and go close to earning a great result at the Camp Nou by chance. Their players ran at 200 km per hour, meaning it was not easy at all tonight, so I congratulate my players on this important victory."
Celtic coach Neil Lennon felt his side deserved better. "The scoreline flatters Juventus," he said. For 70-odd minutes we were by far the better side, but you can't give away sloppy goals.
"We had chances, really great chances, and some of the football was excellent. I don't think there was three goals between the teams.
"We need a miracle now, that's the harsh reality of football at this level."
In the day's other tie, PSG also took a massive step towards qualification into the quarters, with a 2-1 away victory, thanks to goals from Argentine duo Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore.
Adil Rami netted in the final minute to give Valencia some hope of qualification when the two teams meet for the second leg in Paris on March 6.
"We played really well, we have to be happy, but the end of the game was not good for us," PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "Valencia are a good team. We have just played the first half and now we have the second at home, which will be better for us, but we have to pay attention.
"There was no complacency at the end of the game. We had chances to score a third before (their goal). Overall we demonstrated good quality and a good attitude -- my team deserved to win."
The victory for PSG was soured though after talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off in added time for a challenge on Andres Guardado. The red card means the Swede will be suspended for the return leg.
Results: Celtic 0-3 Juventus; Valencia 1-2 PSG.