H Be’er Sheva 2 Celtic 0

Celtic reached the Champions League for the first time in three years, but only after an enormous scare in their 2-0 defeat by Hapoel Be’er Sheva at the Turner Stadium which took them through 5-4 on aggregate.

Brendan Rodgers’ side was heavy favourites to see out the play-off second-leg after the 5-2 victory at Parkhead last week but after goalkeeper Craig Gordon saved a penalty in the 15th minute from Maharan Radi, substitute Ben Sahar headed the Israeli champions ahead and put fresh life into the tie.

The rattled Hoops lost a second in the 48th minute when a dreadful mix-up between Saidy Janko and Gordon allowed Romania international Ovidiu Hoban the easiest of chances from a yard out, but although Celtic were hanging on as Hapoel pushed for the goal that would give them Champions League for the first time amid increasing tension, they held out for the crucial result.

The Scottish champions go into tomorrow’s group stage draw breathing a huge sigh of relief, but knowing they will earn more than £20million with an incalculable boost to prestige and status.

The money, however, will serve to strengthen the gap between the Glasgow club and their Scottish rivals which will go a long way to securing the title this season and beyond.

But they did not half make their supporters suffer, including the 150 or so who made the trip to Israel.

After two previous playoff defeats under previous

“A dreadful mix-up between Saidy Janko and Craig Gordon”

manager Ronny Deila, the stage was set for Celtic success under the former Liverpool manager.

Rodgers brought right back Mikael Lustig into the centre of defence at the expense of young Irishman Eoghan O’Connell who dropped out altogether.

Midfielder Callum McGregor replaced Tom Rogic while captain Scott Brown made a club-record 70th appearance in European competition.

Hapoel, strengthened by the return of Portuguese defender Miguel Vitor, stormed forward from the start with Gordon making