Celtic are through to the Champions League group stage after seeing off Astana.
Oliver Ntcham of Celtic
Celtic avoided a scare in Kazakhstan this evening as they went through to the Champions League group stage with an 8-4 aggregate victory over Astana.
The Bhoys had hammered Astana 5-0 at Celtic Park in the first leg at Celtic Park last week, and many expected Brendan Rodgers’ men to coast through to the group stage of the Champions League.
However, Kristoffer Ajer’s own goal put Astana in front on the night, and whilst Scott Sinclair equalised for Celtic, a 20-minute capitulation in the second half threatened Celtic’s qualification hopes.
Serikzhan Muzhikov and a brace from Patrick Twumasi put Astana 4-1 up on the night, leaving the tie at 6-4 in Celtic’s favour with 20 minutes to play – but the Bhoys did finally grab their win.
Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths found the net in the last ten minutes to end the game with a 4-3 defeat for Celtic, but that was enough to go through to the Champions League group stage with an 8-4 aggregate win.
The Bhoys will be delighted to return to Europe’s premier club competition for a second season in a row under Rodgers, and midfielder Ntcham took to Twitter after the final whistle to offer his reaction.
Olivier Ntcham of Celtic
Ntcham, snapped up this summer from Manchester City following a loan spell with Genoa last season, is attempting to establish himself with the Bhoys having so far failed to settle in his career.
The 21-year-old midfielder again showed his quality with his display against Astana, finding the net again – his second goal in just seven games for Celtic.
Ntcham took to Twitter this evening to state that his dream to play in the Champions League has come true, adding that he is proud of his team after they made it past Astana.
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