Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes felt his make-shift Dons team was unfortunate to suffer a 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park.
The Dons were seeking a first league win at Parkhead since 2004 but went down to goals from Mikael Lustig, Jonny Hayes and Olivier Ntcham.
McInnes said his side’s preparations for the match were disrupted with a series of late call-offs but was proud of his side’s efforts.
He said: “We are disappointed.
“We came here believing we could get a result and we did a lot of things well, especially in the first half.
“We didn’t have our troubles to seek. Shay Logan was ruled out with a bug and never travelled.
“Stevie May was ruled out yesterday morning as a result of the tackle from the Rangers game.
“He has been having problems with it and it flared up so we need to deal with that.
“We then had to deal with Scott McKenna this morning having a tightness in his calf and with consultation with the medical staff we felt if he missed this one he could play in the next two.
“Ryan Christie was already unable to play so that was four players from a winning team ruled out.
“We had to make adjustments and I felt the players who came in did well, particularly in the first half.
“It was a bit make-shift but there was still a semblance of authority.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers felt his side were worthy winners.
The Hoops are now eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
He said: “I felt it was a very convincing win.
“The first half was a battle which we expected as Aberdeen had a full week to prepare for the game.
“They used their physicality and they showed they are a good side.
“At half-time we told the players they had to be physical and win the battle – but they also had to play with calmness or else it just becomes a fight.
“In the second half they were outstanding.”