Celtic 2 Helsingborgs IF 0:CELTIC WILL relish a return to European football's promised land. For the first time since 2008, Celtic have progressed to the group phase of the Champions League. Given the general – and occasionally deserved – kicking issued to the Scottish game during the intervening spell, that qualification is timely.
There are wider benefits. For Celtic’s manager, Neil Lennon, and his relatively youthful team there is now an opportunity to test themselves against a higher standard of opponent than has been routine. Taking into account the ease with which Celtic are expected to retain their domestic title, the extra interest of an extended European run will not be lost on Lennon.
An imminent boost to Celtic’s balance sheet, which will run to millions of pounds, also cannot be ignored. Over two legs, Lennon’s men were clearly superior to Helsingborg. The only sense of annoyance Celtic could harbour upon return from Sweden last week is that they did not hold a greater lead. Albeit Helsingborg created openings of their own during the first 90 minutes, Celtic could and arguably should have increased their two-goal advantage in the latter stages of the game.
Unsurprisingly given the deficit, Helsingborg opened this leg with attacking intent. At the first glimpse of an opportunity, Celtic’s centre-back Kelvin Wilson was required to produce a sharp tackle on Thomas Sorum. Alejandro Bedoya was next to be afforded a chance for the visitors, but wastefully screwed a shot wide. Soon, that profligacy would look costly.
It took 20 minutes for Celtic to threaten the Helsingborg goal. When they did, Georgios Samaras should have offered better than a tame shot after swiftly evading the opposition defence. A subsequent Celtic penalty claim proved in vain, James Forrest tumbling a little too easily following a challenge from Joseph Baffo.
The hosts did not have to wait much longer for their opener. On the half-hour mark, Samaras laid a mis-hit Scott Brown shot into the path of Gary Hooper, who had the most simple of tasks to tap home from close range. Helsingborg were caught between a defensive inquest and appealing for offside against Hooper as Celtic Park celebrated. By the interval, it was clear Samaras was enjoying one of his more prominent evenings.
Helsingborg again offered a bright opening to the second half, twice testing Fraser Forster with swerving efforts from long range. Celtic did not offer much in reply, but then had no requirement to. More importantly, there was never any evidence whatsoever that Helsingborg could mount a meaningful comeback. Forrest came close to adding gloss to Celtic’s win. Instead, the young winger’s left-foot shot rebounded from a post.
It was left to Victor Wanyama to supply the second. Kris Commons was the architect, with a fine cross which the Kenyan headed home.
CELTIC: Forster, Matthews (Lustig 76), Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Samaras (Watt 69), Commons, Hooper (McCourt 90). Subs not used: Zaluska, Rogne, Murphy, Twardzik. Booked: Matthews,Wilson.
HELSINGBORGS IF: Hansson, Wahlstedt (Lindstrom 75), Baffo, Atta (Nordmark 81), Uronen, Bedoya, Gashi, Mahlangu, Christoffer Andersson, Sorum (Accam 61), Djurdjic. Subs not used: Daniel Andersson, Dos Santos, Bouaouzan, Krafth. Booked: Accam, Djurdjic.
Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain).
