James Forrest goal puts Celtic through in Champions League

Celtic have progressed to the Champions League playoff round after a 1-0 aggregate win over Norwegian champions Rosenborg.

James Forrest scored the only goal in Trondheim to put the Bhoys through after the teams played out a goalless draw at Parkhead last week.

Celtic dominated possession throughout but were unable to make a breakthrough in the first half. The Bhoys first chance came after 17 minutes when Mikael Lustig volleyed over from Kieran Tierney’s cross.

Erik Sviatchenko then rose highest to meet Jonny Hayes’ free-kick but his header was cleared off the line by former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.

Forrest then forced a save from Andre Hansen before Scott Brown’s long-range effort was saved on the verge of half time.

Rosenborg nearly took the lead just after the break when Yann-Erik de Lanlay picked up Bendtner’s through ball but the winger’s shot went narrowly wide.

Tierney then curled a shot wide from outside the area before Rosenborg’s Mike Jensen missed the target at the other end.

Celtic finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Forrest’s shot from the right side of the box hit the underside of the bar on its way to beating Hansen.

That meant that Rosenborg needed to score two goals in the last 20 minutes to progress, but it was Celtic who looked most likely to score again. Substitute Leigh Griffiths’ shot was deflected wide and Lustig headed over from the corner.

Forrest nearly added his second goal in the 82nd minute. He was put through one-on-one but Hansen made the save

Griffiths tested Hansen once again in the closing stages with Celtic able to see the match out with ease.

Cover Photo: Celtic Park by Tom Brogan used under license by CC BY-ND 2.0.

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