The Hoops secured their progress to the Champions League play-off stages with a nervy 2-1 win over Astana this evening.
Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths (R) celebrates scoring
Celtic scraped through into the Champions League Play-off stage with a tense win over FK Astana earlier tonight.
The Hoops progressed courtesy of two penalties in stoppage time of both halves, in what was an altogether unconvincing display.
Brendan Rodger’s men were rarely threated by the Kazakhstani side but failed to offer much going forward themselves in what was a rather flat night at Parkhead.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
It took until the final kick of the first-half for spirits to be lifted when the hard-working Keiran Tierney chased down a lost cause and was taken out by a clumsy challenge inside the area.
Leigh Griffiths stepped up and slotted away with aplomb, seemingly setting up a comfortable night for the Scottish champions.
Celtic’s Craig Gordon
Things didn’t go to plan however, and Astana grabbed an equaliser when Craig Gordon came charging off his line and cleared only as far as Agim Ibraimi, who took one touch and expertly volleyed into the empty net form near-on 40 yards out.
The game looked to be heading to extra-time when Celtic new boy Moussa Dembele produced a bit of magic on the right flank, weaved his way into the box and was hacked down for another penalty.
Griffiths was ordered off penalty duties by the 19-year old, who stepped up and slammed home his first goal in front of a frenzied Parkhead crowd.
We’ve compiled a selection of the best images from tonight’s game below:
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele celebrates scoring the second goal with teammates
Celtic’s Kolo Toure in action
Celtic’s Callum McGregor is challenged for the ball
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele scores the second goal from the penalty spot
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele celebrates after scoring their second goal from the penalty spot
Celtic’s Callum McGregor challenges for the ball
Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths scoring their first goal from the penalty spot
Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot
Astana’s Agim Ibraimi celebrates after scoring their first goal
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts in action and manager Brendon Rodgers
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