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Celtic fans (file pic). Jeff Holmes
Goals Galore

Celtic concede 4 but still progress comfortably to Champions League group stages

Brendan Rodgers’ side looked nervy and defended poorly at times against Astana.

Updated at 20.00

CELTIC QUALIFIED FOR the lucrative Champions League group stage today despite losing 4-3 to Astana in the second leg of their play-off in Kazakhstan.

Patrick Twumasi scored twice as Astana, beaten 5-0 last week in Glasgow, threatened an incredible comeback before Brendan Rodgers’ side secured their place with an 8-4 aggregate victory.

Kristoffer Ajer diverted a Dmitri Shomko shot beyond Craig Gordon as Astana took the lead on 26 minutes, but Scott Sinclair settled Celtic nerves with a superb equaliser.

However, Serikzhan Muzhikov drilled Astana back ahead on the night before Ghanaian striker Twumasi added a brace to leave Celtic rattled and facing a tense final 20 minutes.

Olivier Ntcham ended Astana’s hopes though when his deflected strike made it 4-2 before Leigh Griffiths reduced the deficit further in the final minute.

© – AFP, 2017

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