Celtic find ourselves in a strong position after a 1-0 home victory over Elfsborg this evening after the first leg of the 3rd round of the Champions League qualifying competition. A one goal victory usually leaves you with a squeaky bum but the way Celtic moved the ball around in the final twenty minutes showed there is a gulf in class between the teams and Celtic, who will only improve after another 90 minutes this weekend, I feel will see off Elfsborg with a bit to spare……if they play as they can do in Sweden.
The first half was a bit lacklustre and this after Stokes almost put us ahead after 15 seconds. A ball from Lustig was flicked on by Sami to Stokes whose tight left foot effort flashed past the post. We huffed and puffed but lacked sharpness, which is no surprise considering our domestic campaign doesn’t begin until Saturday. A great Commons cross saw Forrest arrive late at the back post and from a tight angle his side effort smashed off the face of the bar and was cleared to safety.
We looked in first fear most of the first half and there was always a danger the fitter visitors – midway through their season – could pose a danger and they did when a terrific 20 yard strike smashed off the face of the Celtic cross-bar with Forster looking beaten.
We continued to take them game o them and from a corner Ambrose did well to beat his marker but powered a header over the bar from a great position and then a few minutes later a Stokes free kick was well placed but touched over the goal by the visiting keeper.
Celtic started the second period strongly and were unlucky when Stokes released Sami only for the keeper to rush off his line and block well.
The pressure continued as we controlled the game but didn’t create many chances with Bangura and co being kept quiet at the other end.
The breakthrough finally arrived when a fine inswinging right foot cross from Izzy landed on the head of Commons who guided the ball home from inside the six yard box. This relieved a lot of tension as Celtic started to relax and passed the ball about well for the remaining twenty minutes.
The Swedes had clearly done their homework and doubled up on Forrest while looking to kick Sami at every opportunity. They kept a tight compact shape but looked limited going forward. You also sense if they do open up – which they’ll have to at some point next week – we can use our pace and movement to pick them off on the counter with Sami and Forrest in my view being key players.
Joe Ledley got a run out for the final half hour and looked sharp. This is a big plus point as his positional play and defensive discipline is so important to us and hopefully he will be ready to start next week’s return match.
On paper 1-0 doesn’t sound flattering but I genuinely feel we’ll score at least one goal in Sweden meaning the home side will have to score at least three.
We should go there with confidence and utilise last season’s experience to the full.
Celtic 1 Elfsborg 0
POTM – Kris Commons for his match winning goal and better link up play in the second half. Sami also played well.
Sami was a beast. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Georgios Samaras, Celtic Legend …
Forster touched their shot onto the bar so he wasn’t beaten – indeed a great save. The amount of space given to their player was concerning, hopefully will be ironed out by next week.
Is Efe beginning to show some promise?