MX23RW : Monday, April 29 03:43:42| >> :120:40768:40768:

Celtic 2-1 HJK Helsinki

Goals from Gary Hooper and Charlie Mulgrew give Celtic a 2-1 victory against HJK Helsinki in the first leg of their Champions League third-round qualifying match.

Celtic have secured a lead in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round with a 2-1 victory over HJK Helsinki.

In a tense first half, Celtic enjoyed the majority of the possession but found it difficult to create clear opportunities for their attacking players, with the Finnish side's defence remaining stubborn.

James Forrest could have put the hosts ahead but his header was off target and Helsinki survived until the interval.

Celtic were immediately punished for a slow start to the second half as Helsinki took a surprise lead in Glasgow when Rasmus Schuller beat Fraser Forster at the second attempt.

However, Neil Lennon's side were only behind for seven minutes as Georgios Samaras produced an accurate cross for Gary Hooper, with the striker making no mistake from close range.

Celtic found the lead that their domination deserved in the 60th minute when Charlie Mulgrew took advantage of a mistake from the Helsinki goalkeeper to delight the Scottish crowd.

The Bhoys continued to look for more goals in the latter stages of the contest but were left frustrated at the final whistle and will take a slender lead to Finland.

ID:37680: cacheID:37680:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2348:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Neil Lennon
Read Next:
Lennon sets sights on Champions League success
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic110082275581
2RangersRangers110074245078
3Hearts101046341263
4Kilmarnock10104334952
5St Mirren10013945-643
6Dundee10014556-1141
Relegation Group
1Hibernian11004752-542
2Aberdeen11003649-1338
3Motherwell10014652-637
4St Johnstone10012549-2431
5Ross County10013258-2630
6Livingston11002459-3521
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!