Larsson puts Celtic in the driving seat
Celtic 1 Celta Vigo
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Your support makes all the difference.Henrik Larsson gave Celtic a priceless lead to take to Spain with a 52nd-minute goal last night which overcame the brutal challenge of Celta Vigo.
The third round Uefa Cup first leg was tarnished by clinical fouls from Celta which eventually saw Martin O'Neill, the Celtic manager, sent to the stand for protesting. However, he found nothing but happiness in the vital advantage which Larsson gave his side.
As always, Parkhead was full to the brim. The victory over Blackburn Rovers in the last round had brought a genuine sense of anticipation; however, there was no doubt that Celta were a far different proposition to the Premiership side. They are fourth in La Liga, ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and have enjoyed visits to Britain in recent years – as the scalps of Aston Villa and Liverpool indicate.
Celtic almost took the lead on 12 minutes after a burst of speed by Didier Agathe. Steve Guppy met Agathe's cross only to see his first attempt blocked by goalkeeper Jose Pinto and his second rise over the bar.
Guppy then turned provider with a fine cross for John Hartson, who put Pinto under pressure. The ball spilled straight to Agathe, but the Celtic winger volleyed over an empty goal.
The tie degenerated and eventually Celta's striker Catanha was booked for a dreadful foul on Joos Valgaeren. Celtic then needed Rab Douglas to rescue them when Catanha was poised to head in Silvinho's cross but the goalkeeper's touch was crucial.
Celtic finally made the breakthrough they craved and it was who Larsson provided it. The Swedish striker found a yard of space in a crowded penalty area to meet a knockdown from Hartson, who had won a battle for Guppy's corner. It was his 24th European goal for Celtic in five years.
Celtic tried to gain a vital second goal and Larsson came close with just 20 minutes left when again Hartson found him with a flick, but this time the Swede's shot was diverted by a sprawling Pinto.
Celtic (3-5-2): Douglas; Valgaeren, Baldé, Laursen; Agathe (Sylla, 85), Lennon, Petrov, Sutton, Guppy (Thompson, 83); Hartson, Larsson. Substitutes not used: Gould (gk), McNamara, Fernandez, Lambert, Maloney.
Celta Vigo (4-2-3-1): Pinto; Mendez, Fernandez, Berizzo, Silvinho; Luccin, Ignacio; Juanfran, Mostovoi, Lopez (McCarthy, 83); Catanha (Edu, 49). Substitutes not used: Cavallero (gk), Caceres, Giovanella, Coudet, Castro.
Referee: C Columbo (France).
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