Despite losing 1-0 to AC Milan overnight, Celtic are through to the final 16 of the UEFA Champions League. A 70th-minute Inzaghi striker seemed to have ended Celtic’s hopes of making it through. However, Shakhtar Donetsk went down 2-1 at home to Benfica, thus leaving Milan, who had Australian Zjelko Kalac in goal, and Celtic as the top two in Group D.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said:”To get through is just wonderful for the club. We must be pleased to get out of that group. I think that could have been the hardest group.
“It’s the second year on the trot, with a new bunch of players. We’ve got a few injuries and a few tired bodies.”
Celtic continue to struggle on their travels in Europe, and Strachan admitted that their defence is a worry, although his hand is being forced by injuries.
He added: “There was no clean sheet again. If we want to get better in Europe, and even in our home league, we must improve on that.
“The space here came around the full-backs, and we’ve got two centre-halves playing there. Fair play to them, they’re trying their best, but it’s hard for them at the moment.
“They’re giving it a good shot, especially Gary Caldwell. He’s not the quickest thing on two legs, but he gets up there and he tries to play the game the right way. It’s not easy for us.”
Celtic are through – but can they go further?