Champions League Qualifiers Update

Scottish champions Celtic survived a scare in Kazakhstan as they took the field against Astana, with a five goal advantage from the first leg of their final qualifying match in the Champions League.

A deflected own goal from 19-year-old Norwegian defender Ajer, gave the home side the edge after 26 minutes, which was cancelled out by Scott Sinclair's, excellent curling shot 13 minutes later. The crucial away goal should have steadied Celtic as they went in at the break, with the score tied at one all.

However, three second half goals from Muzhikov, including a double from Twumasi, gave Astana a 4-1 lead on the night as Celtic fans watched their side crumble. Astana missed a couple of golden opportunities to make it 5-1 and would regret them as Scotland's invincibles fought back with goals from Ntcham and a calm finish from Griffiths to make it 4-3. Celtic could have scored again in the dying moments but the score remained the same as Celtic progress 8-4 on aggregate.

Celtic will earn a minumum of £30 million from qualifying for the lucrative group stages. In the other ties, Seville drew 2-2 with Istanbul to progress 4-3, having won 2-1 in the first leg. Olympiakos won by the only goal of the game to ensure they would be in the draw as did Maribor, whilst Napoli defeated hosts Nice by two goals to nil. Tonight sees the final matches that will decide, who goes into the draw for the group stages on Thursday.

Liverpool face Hoffenheim holding two vital away goals and a 2-1 advantage. The English side are expected to finish off the Germans at Anfield. CSKA Moscow have an away goal lead to defend as Swiss outfit Young Boys come calling.

Copenhagen have it all to do as they host Qurabag, as they need to score twice without conceding, if they wish to be in the hat on Thursday. Steaua Bucharest and Sporting Lisbon are tied at 0-0 after the first leg with the Romanian's having home advantage, and in the final game, Slavia Prague have an uphill battle to recover from their 2-0 defeat to Apoel Nicosia.

Source: TPVS