Celtic survived a strong second-half performance from Aberdeen at Celtic Park to claim a 2-1 win in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon.
The home side needed just six minutes to break the deadlock after Kris Commons forced an early corner, allowing Efe Ambrose to set up Jason Denayer for a tap-in from close range.
Stefan Scepovic found the back of the net on his debut a few minutes later, but the Serbian's first goal for his new club was ruled out for offside.
Commons had several chances to extend the home side's advantage before the break, but was frustrated by the Aberdeen defenders.
The visitors finished the half strongly, with Nicky Low firing just over a few minutes before the break, while Emilio Izaguirre had to clear the ball off the line in stoppage time.
Celtic added a second just moments into the second half as Commons slotted the ball in from a Callum McGregor ball into the box.
Aberdeen started to see more of the ball as the second half progressed, but Craig Gordon was on hand to deny Peter Pawlett as he tried to turn it in for the visitors from a corner.
The visitors did pull one back on the hour mark when a ball to the back post was headed in by David Goodwillie, getting Aberdeen back into the tie.
Willo Flood tried to force an equaliser, but Gordon punched it clear before Goodwillie was flagged offside while trying to add his second.
McGregor and John Guidetti both had chances to put the win beyond doubt in the final minutes, but the hosts did enough to hold on for all three points.
Sian Cowper
