2013-07-31: Celtic 1-0 Elsborg, European Cup

Match Pictures | Matches: 2013 – 2014 | 2013-14 Pictures

Trivia

• European Cup Champions League 2012-13.
• Third Round qualifying, Leg 1 of 2.
• Celtic loan player Bangura playing for Elfsborg. Dreadful for Celtic, not bad for Elfsborg. Lennon publicly plays games stating Bangura shouldn't play Celtic but Elsfborg disagree, he is eligible. He had a fair match in this one despite being booed throughout. Didn't endear himself after some pathetic play acting which tried to get Kelvin Wilson sent off.
• Referee was a shambles and let Elfsborg off with too many hacks.
• Celtic released statement of their concern over non adherence of fan safety by fans in Section 111, home of the Green Brigade. The club is right and the use of flairs is potentially dangerous.
• Summertime and the transfer window is underway.
• Out so far: Miku, Lassad, Rogne, Wanyama, Hooper, Daryl Murphy
• In so far: Amido Baldé, Van Dijk, Mouyokolo, Boerrigter
• Derk Boerrigter signing for Celtic for est £2-3m (actually €2-3m).
• Hooper left Celtic to Norwich for £5-5.5m (est).
• St Johnstone recorded a great 2-1 agg win over Rosenburg in the Uefa cup in last round. Excellent performance and result (Hibs were hammered 7-0). They play tomorrow v Minsk.
• Twitter expose by 'Charlotte fakes' released information showing oldco Rangers getting media agents to act against Celtic. Dunfermline grasp last minute CVA to save them from liquidation; Hearts getting closer to liquidation.

Review

(Bumblebee Tuna of KDS)
A poor performance with a decent result.

We lack a focus up front with Stokes there, he needs to come off the bench in games or he needs a partner up front. The middle of the park was shocking with Kayal constantly being caught in possession and Brown constantly passing the ball straight out of play. The defence were nervous as hell and didn’t settle down until the second half.

Sammaras, Commons, Izzy and Lustig were all decent but far from spectacular. Everyone else was pretty close to awful. Ledley coming on made a huge impact. We were almost instantly better and he’s got to start next week. Kayal’s career here is now in serious danger as the number of poor games he’s having vastly outnumbers the good.

They were very, very cynical with their tackling. Any time a player, usually Sammy, ran with the ball they just brought him down and took the booking. The referee was a bit of a fud and north stand linesman was ridiculously poor; on another night they would probably have seen a red.

We played poorly and won the game; that actually bodes well for the return leg because I doubt we could start as bad as that again. It is Celtic right enough, so you never know.

(Behan of KDS)
Forster Not much he had to do. If he touched that shot onto the bar, it was a great save.
Lustig Very solid as usual. This guy is the absolute breests.
Ambrose Makes you pine for the days of Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus. No, seriously. He's that effing bad. I'm struggling to think of a regular starter at Celtic that I've thought less of during their time at the club.
Wilson Had a bit of a shocker. Looked nervy. Hope he can get back to his form of last season soon.
Izaguirre This guy gives me the heebie jeebies. So often caught out of position or caught on the ball. Good cross for the goal but was poor other than that.
Forrest Looked good for the first half of the first half. Anonymous other than that.
Brown Didn't look sharp. Passing was poor.
Kayal Dreadful. Caught on the ball plenty of times and his passing was woeful.
Samaras What a guy. Phenomenal effort tonight. Currently, the most important player in our squad when on form.
Commons Like Brown, doesn't look fully fit yet. Set pieces were really poor. Good to see him pop up for the winner, was the kind of area we'd have previous expected Hooper to be in.
Stokes Terrible. I don't understand why Lennon doesn't just force him to stay in the box. He's proved before he can be quite deadly in front of goal. He's wasted drifting out to the left.

Ledley Great to see him back. Whole team looked better when he was on the pitch. In a team full of players misplacing passes, he's always dependable.

Good to get the win and everything, but overall it was really frustrating tonight. They were there for an absolute pumping. Hopefully it's just because it's early in the season, but I was annoyed at how we seemed incapable of applying meaningful pressure and a high tempo for longer than three or four minutes.

Hopefully we won't live to regret not pressing home our advantage here.

(radar of KDS)
We seemed to start off the match in panic mode and, apart from a 5 minute spell after the goal, I thought we were very very poor.

Misplaced passes, lack of concentration, lack of understanding. Hopefully just early season rustyness, but it was bloody frustrating.

Elsfborg were a pretty awful team, who weren't afraid to leave a boot in or time waste from early on. Luckily for us they played so negatively, as we were there for the taking against a better, braver team.

Still, a win and a clean sheet so job done, just.

We'll pump them next week.

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Stats

Celtic Elfsborg

Possession
46% 54%
90mins

Shots
14 3

On target
9 1

Corners
14 2

Fouls
5 16

Articles

Celtic 1 IF Elfsborg 0: Clean sheet crucial, says Lennon

Michael Grant and Hugh MacDonald
Thursday 1 August 2013
The Herald

Neil Lennon predicted his side would improve next week and finish off Elfsborg to claim a place in the Champions League play-off round.

Kris Commons' goal just 14 minutes from the end delivered a vital advantage against the Swedish champions in a tense night at Parkhead. Celtic created chances but their play was laboured before they finally got the breakthrough their pressure deserved.

The Celtic manager said he was delighted with the win, the clean sheet and the performance, but admitted his side was still some way short of its best. "There is obviously a bit of rust there, but we will be a week sharper and week fitter next week. We had to be patient, Elfsborg made it difficult to break them down.

"The crucial thing is the clean sheet. The tie is probably still in the balance but we're confident we will go there and get a result."

When asked if Celtic had now done enough, he said: "I don't know. You can't make predictions. What I do know is that they are growing, they are learning from experience and our away [record] last season was very, very good.

"The artificial pitch [at Elfsborg's Boras Arena] means we might change things with the team a little bit, but I'm pleased with the result tonight, that's the most important thing.

"There was rust, the final ball could have been better, we could maybe have worked the goalkeeper a little bit more. But I thought we got stronger as the game wore on and that surprised me, considering where both teams are in their seasons."

Mo Bangura played against Celtic despite being on loan from them and was jeered by the Parkhead support. "I thought he did well considering it was a thankless task for him at times," said Lennon. New signing Derk Boerrigter was introduced to the fans at half-time but did not play and will come into contention for the weekend Premiership opener against Ross County.

Elfsborg manager Jorgen Lennartsson warned Celtic it would be a different game next Wednesday. "We think the game is alive. We are a very strong side at home," he said. "We have lost only one game in 25 at home. Of course it will be a different game, we will have to score and we will have to attack more. But Celtic can't feel that the game is over. It is absolutely not."

A confident Kris Commons is convinced that Celtic will score in the second leg and that progress to the final qualifying round is in the hands of the Scottish champions. He said his headed goal in the second half was "vital" but said Celtic had the capability to take the tie beyond Elfsborg in the Boras Arena next week.

"We showed the sort of quality that got us into the last 16 of the Champions League last season," said the Scottish internationalist of the performance last night. "I think we will score over there. Fraser [Forster] could have stayed in the changing-rooms. I don't think the ball touched his gloves. They were happy at 1-0. I think they would have been delighted at 0-0. But we are more than confident about going on the road and getting goals."

Commons admitted Celtic had to increase the pace in the second half after a sluggish opening, saying: "It felt like a testimonial in the first half.

We never got the tempo going. We upped it in the first 15 minutes of the second half and the crowd got behind us."

Elfsborg defended in numbers and Commons said: "It reminded me a lot of how we played against

Barcelona. We had to give their players respect, get behind the ball and break them down. They probably saw how good we are at home and gave us respect.

"They need to score goals now. It would suit us if they come out. There will be more spaces and gaps for us. We also have the bonus of more players coming back from injury, and hitting top form."

BBC

A Kris Commons header gave Celtic the edge in their Champions League third qualifying round tie.

With the hosts struggling to break down stubborn Elfsborg, the forward found the net on 76 minutes, nodding home a cross from Emilio Izaguirre.

James Forrest struck the crossbar with a first-half effort as Celtic were frustrated for long spells.

The well-organised visitors rarely threatened but also found the bar via a fantastic Fraser Forster save.

Celtic thoroughly deserved to win but will need to iron out some slack elements in their play ahead of next week's return leg in Sweden, with Swedish champions Elfsborg unbeaten on their artificial home pitch since September 2011.

Should Celtic come through the return leg, only the play-offs, with the first leg to take place on 20 or 21 August, stand between them and the group stages of the main competition.

It would be the second successive year Celtic achieved the feat, having come through qualifying last term before beating Barcelona in the group stages and then losing to Juventus in the last 16.

Neil Lennon's men almost made the perfect start as Anthony Stokes flashed a shot wide from a tight angle inside 12 seconds but showed signs of early season rust in the opening 45 minutes against a side midway through their domestic campaign.

Much of the pre-match talk concentrated on Mohamed Bangura, the Celtic striker on loan at Elfsborg, and whether or not he would play.

With no arrangement in place to prevent his selection, visiting manager boss Jorgen Lennartsson thrust the Sierra Leone player further into the limelight and his arrival on the pitch was marked with a loud chorus of boos.

The 24-year-old, who failed to score in 16 Celtic appearances, had an early low strike saved by Forster but faded from the match and was only really noticed again late in the second-half when a couple of theatrical tumbles enraged the home support.

Those fans were on their feet on 20 minutes when Forrest connected with a long, looping cross from Commons but the winger's side-foot volley spun off the turf and cannoned against the crossbar.
Scott Brown challenges Mo Bagura at Celtic Park

Soon after, Elfsborg also struck the frame of the goal, with Forster doing brilliantly to get a touch on a fierce strike from Anders Svensson.

The 37-year-old Sweden international was a stand-out performer throughout, providing great cover for his back four.

Celtic defender Efe Ambrose headed over from a corner before a free-kick from Stokes was tipped over by Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard on the stroke of half-time.

With new signing from Ajax Derk Boerrigter left out of the squad, Georgios Samaras was Celtic's main threat on the left and the galloping Greek had a shot saved right from the second-half whistle.

The Swedes were being pinned back as Celtic injected more pace and aggression into their attacks and Elfsborg responded with a series of cynical challenges to disrupt play.

Another shot from Samaras was deflected wide, with the forward claiming it had struck an arm in a yellow shirt.

With striker Stokes dropping ever deeper in search of the ball and the volume from the crowd dipping, Elfsborg looked a good bet to return home with a clean sheet.

But the crucial breakthrough came with 14 minutes remaining as Commons did well to steer his header in at the back post.

Samaras then had a header blocked by a defender on the line as Celtic pressed briefly for another goal but there was to be no storming finale, with Lennon's men content to protect their lead and Elfsborg afraid to abandon their defensive approach.

The second leg of Celtic's Champions League third qualifying round tie against Elfsborg is being broadcast live on BBC Two Scotland on Wednesday 7 August, kick-off 18.45 BST.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +2:07 Full time

Full Time The final whistle is blown by the referee.
90:00 +1:01

Lasse Nilsson challenges Kelvin Wilson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Kelvin Wilson.
88:56

Charlie Mulgrew produces a cross that goes out of play.
86:14

The ball is swung over by Mikael Lustig and goes out.
84:46

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons. Clearance by Johan Larsson.
84:46 Substitution

Substitution Charlie Mulgrew joins the action as a substitute, replacing Georgios Samaras.
84:46 Substitution

Substitution (IF Elfsborg) makes a substitution, with Joachim Jorgensen coming on for Stefan Ishizaki.
84:27

A cross is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre. Clearance made by Andreas Klarstrom.
80:14 Substitution

Substitution Mohamed Bangura leaves the field to be replaced by Lasse Nilsson.
79:57 Substitution

Substitution James Keene leaves the field to be replaced by Niklas Hult.
79:35

Corner taken by Kris Commons.
79:14

Corner taken short by Kris Commons.
77:50 Booking

Booking
77:31

Anders Svensson concedes a free kick for a foul on Georgios Samaras. The referee cautions Anders Svensson for unsporting behaviour. Effort on goal by Anthony Stokes from the free kick hits the wall.
75:48

Assist on the goal came from Emilio Izaguirre.
75:48 Goal scored

Goal – Kris Commons – Celtic 1 – 0 Elfsborg Kris Commons scores. Celtic 1-0 IF Elfsborg.
75:05

Corner taken by James Forrest from the right by-line. Clearance made by Daniel Mobaeck.
73:12

James Forrest challenges Andreas Klarstrom unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard takes the free kick.
72:23

Corner from the right by-line taken by Kris Commons.
72:08

Corner from the right by-line taken by Kris Commons. Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard punches the ball.
71:48

Scott Brown takes a shot. Daniel Mobaeck gets a block in.
71:30

The ball is swung over by James Forrest. Jon Jonsson manages to make a clearance.
69:56

Foul by Georgios Samaras on Jon Jonsson, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard.
65:08 Booking

Booking
64:53

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre. Clearance made by Andreas Klarstrom.
64:53 Substitution

Substitution Joe Ledley comes on in place of Beram Kayal.
64:53

Corner taken by Kris Commons. The referee cautions Georgios Samaras for unsporting behaviour.
64:34

Georgios Samaras takes a shot. Jon Jonsson gets a block in.
64:10

James Keene goes into the book.
64:10 Booking

Booking
64:02

James Keene gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Georgios Samaras. Free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.
62:26

Anthony Stokes gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Keene. Free kick taken by Jon Jonsson.
60:31

Handball decision goes against Mohamed Bangura. Kelvin Wilson restarts play with the free kick.
60:03

Header by Kris Commons goes over the bar.
59:08

The ball is crossed by Mikael Lustig. Stefan Ishizaki manages to make a clearance.
57:43

Handball decision goes against Beram Kayal. Free kick taken by Daniel Mobaeck.
56:34

Shot by Scott Brown went wide of the right-hand post.
54:46 Booking

Booking
54:34

Foul by Emilio Izaguirre on Mohamed Bangura, free kick awarded. Booking for Emilio Izaguirre for unsporting behaviour. Johan Larsson restarts play with the free kick.
54:16

The ball is crossed by Mikael Lustig. Clearance made by Daniel Mobaeck.
53:48

Johan Larsson challenges Kris Commons unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kris Commons crosses the ball in from the free kick. Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard gets a fist to the ball to punch .
52:52 Booking

Booking
52:52

The referee shows Johan Larsson a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
52:47

Johan Larsson concedes a free kick for a foul on Georgios Samaras. Free kick crossed by Kris Commons. Clearance made by Jon Jonsson.
51:25

Free kick awarded for a foul by Mohamed Bangura on Efe Ambrose. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
50:53

Free kick awarded for a foul by Henning Hauger on Scott Brown. Free kick taken by Scott Brown.
50:11

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons. Marcus Rohden makes a clearance.
49:58

James Forrest produces a cross. Johan Larsson makes a clearance.
48:50

Stefan Ishizaki is booked.
48:50 Booking

Booking
48:45

Foul by Stefan Ishizaki on Georgios Samaras, free kick awarded. Beram Kayal restarts play with the free kick.
48:05

Handball decision goes against Georgios Samaras. Johan Larsson restarts play with the free kick.
46:32

Kris Commons shown a yellow card.
46:32 Booking

Booking
45:55

Georgios Samaras takes a shot. Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard parries the ball away.
45:01

The referee blows the whistle to start the second half.
45:00 +1:02

Corner taken by Kris Commons from the left by-line.
45:00 +0:24 Half time

Half Time It is the end of the first-half.
44:50

Unfair challenge on Kris Commons by Johan Larsson results in a free kick. Strike comes in from Anthony Stokes from the free kick. Fine finger tip save by Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard.
43:53

Free kick awarded for a foul by Mohamed Bangura on Efe Ambrose. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
42:59

James Forrest crosses the ball.
42:45

Johan Larsson delivers the ball. Clearance made by Efe Ambrose.
38:29

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons.
37:30

Jon Jonsson concedes a free kick for a foul on Kris Commons. Kris Commons has an effort direct from the free kick. Mohamed Bangura gets a block in.
37:10

The ball is sent over by Beram Kayal. Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard safely holds on.
36:13

The ball is delivered by Georgios Samaras.
33:37

Corner taken by Kris Commons. Header by Efe Ambrose goes over the bar.
32:03

Corner from the right by-line taken by Stefan Ishizaki. Header at goal by Anders Svensson goes over the frame of the goal.
31:00

Corner taken by Stefan Ishizaki.
30:43

Anders Svensson takes a shot.
29:51

Emilio Izaguirre crosses the ball. Clearance by Jon Jonsson.
27:26

The assistant referee signals for offside against Anthony Stokes. Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard takes the free kick.
26:35

Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Jon Jonsson gets a block in.
23:46

Corner taken by Kris Commons.
23:02

The referee penalises Johan Larsson for handball. Kris Commons crosses the ball in from the free kick.
21:38

Andreas Klarstrom sends in a cross. Kelvin Wilson makes a clearance.
21:13

Unfair challenge on Scott Brown by Anders Svensson results in a free kick. Scott Brown takes the free kick.
20:49

Mohamed Bangura challenges Efe Ambrose unfairly and gives away a free kick. Efe Ambrose restarts play with the free kick.
19:45

James Forrest takes a shot.
19:20

James Keene gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Georgios Samaras. Free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.
17:31

James Forrest crosses the ball. Clearance made by Daniel Mobaeck.
14:48

Mikael Lustig concedes a free kick for a foul on Mohamed Bangura. Free kick taken by Andreas Klarstrom.
14:07

Kris Commons takes a shot and goes over the bar.
12:39

Short corner worked by Kris Commons.
12:05

Kris Commons takes a short corner.
9:46 Booking

Booking
9:38

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James Forrest by Andreas Klarstrom. Andreas Klarstrom goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour. Kris Commons shoots direct from the free kick against the wall.
4:20

Mohamed Bangura takes a shot. Fraser Forster catches the ball.
2:48

Marcus Rohden challenges Kelvin Wilson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kelvin Wilson takes the free kick.
0:00

The referee gets the game underway.

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