VILLARREAL striker Joseba Llorente reckons his team would have thrashed Celtic in their Champions League showdown - if Artur Boruc hadn't been playing.

Marcos Senna won the game for the Spanish club when he fired home a free-kick which Llorente won in controversial circumstances.

But the hitman believes it would have been a far more comfortable triumph had it not been for Hoops' goalie Boruc.

He reflected: "He was easily the best Celtic player. It is a long time since I have seen a visiting keeper play so outstandingly. He is the reason I am frustrated.

"We had two or three top quality chances denied which were down to his exceptional saves. But it was three points and not the margin of victory which was important.

"Celtic pressed us well and didn't give away possession cheaply. I admit there was a temptation to be driven mad by their stubbornness, but we avoided that."

Meanwhile, Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini reckons Celtic made their job easier - by defending in El Madrigal Stadium.

He said: "I thought it was very strange that Celtic played so defensively. They made it easier for us because they chose not to attack."