GLASGOW CELTIC HAVE been beaten 2-0 by Shakhter Karagandy in the first leg of the Champions League third round qualifier in Kazakhstan.
Neil Lennon’s men failed to spark in front of a passionate home support and fell behind in the first half to a Andrei Finonchenko strike. Celtic’s defence allowed a cross from the left wing to be flicked on and, as it bounced in the six yard box, the Shakhter striker poked home.
The Scots pieced together some decent attacks as the first half wore on, with Georgios Samaras going close with a header and Kris Commons rattling the crossbar from 30 yards out.
James Forrest blew a golden chance to equalise late in the second half before a Sergei Khizhnichenko header settled the tie. 66% possession and 17 attempts on goal meant little as the Kazakh side made the most of their chances.
One hopes Celtic do not lay the blame at the door of once-off jersey sponsor Tipperary Natural Mineral water.
Here is the goals that have left Celtic with a footballing mountain to climb:
YouTube credit: SportsINFOR
YouTube credit: SportsINFOR
