London - Arabstoday
Celtic are one step closer to the UEFA Champions League group stages after beating HJK Helsinki to claim a rare European away win and progress to the play-off round 4-1 on aggregate. The Hoops had only won once away from home in Europe in their past 33 attempts but, after a nervy first half, Joe Ledley gave them a 67th-minute lead on the night when he chested a Charlie Mulgrew cross past goalkeeper Ville Wallen. Four minutes later Celtic were reduced to ten men when Victor Wanyama, who had already been booked, was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Mika Vayrynen. Despite their numerical advantage, the Finnish champions couldn\'t find a way back into the game and with four minutes remaining Giorgos Samaras added a second after being set up by Ledley. Neil Lennon\'s side will now be seeded for the play-off round, with the draw being made in Switzerland on Friday.