Celtic through

Rodgers’ side advance as Leipzig can only draw

CELTIC 1 SALZBURG 2

Celtic dramatically won through to the knockout stage of the Europa League despite defeat by Salzburg at Parkhead.

The Hoops needed only a point to make sure they joined the alreadyqualified Austrian outfit in the last 32 but were subdued in the first half as the classy visitors struck the woodwork amid several chances.

Israel striker Munas Dabbur, who scored twice in the 3-1 win over the Scottish champions in October, headed the visitors in front in the 66th minute before substitute Frederik Gulbrandsen capitalised on a horrific mistake by goalkeeper Craig Gordon in the 78th minute to make it 2-0.

Salzburg defender Jerome Onguene fouled Celtic’s Filip Benkovic in the box in added time for substitute Olivier Ntcham to score from the penalty at the second attempt, but RB Leipzig’s unlikely 1-1 draw with bottom side Rosenborg meant Brendan Rodgers’ men held on to second spot in Group B.

The pre-match build-up had been dominated by news of striker Leigh Griffiths, see page 51, and French forward Odsonne Edouard was again asked to lead the line.

Rodgers made one expected change with Kieran Tierney replacing Emilio Izaguirre after recovering from a groin issue, with experienced skipper Scott Brown again on the bench.

The atmosphere at Parkhead crackled but the visitors, who reached the semifinal of the tournament last season, were inspired more than intimidated.