Half-Time Report: Celtic on course for Champions League group stages

Celtic are just 45 minutes away from the group stages of the Champions League, having played out a goalless first half against Maribor this evening.

Following on from a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Slovenia last week, the hosts nearly took the lead inside five minutes when Jo Inge Berget's cross was almost turned into his own net by Marko Suler.

Maribor's first sight of goal came on the 15-minute mark as Agim Ibraimi let fly from distance, only to see his effort whizz narrowly past the post.

Celtic responded with a chance of their own 10 minutes later as Anthony Stokes played the ball into the box for Virgil van Dijk, but the Dutchman's header was narrowly off target.

The visitors threatened again just before the half-hour mark when Craig Gordon was called upon to deny Mitja Viler's dangerous swerving effort, while Marcos Tavares couldn't react quickly enough to turn the rebound home.

That proved to be the last clear opening of the half as Celtic held out for a scoreline which, as it stands, would send them through on away goals.