Celtic sweep past Utrecht to reach Europa League knockout stages

Celtic have reached the knockout stages of the Europa League after a 4-2 win over Utrecht at Parkhead.

The win puts the Premiership side in 21st place in the League Phase table and means Martin O’Neill’s side will be in Friday’s draw for the play-off round.

The Scottish champions went into the match knowing that a victory would guarantee progress, and a lightning start made their task easier.

With only six minutes on the clock Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring by knocking in Kieran Tierney’s low cross from close range.

Four minutes later Celtic capitalised on an awful pass from former Hoops keeper Vasilis Bargas, allowing Nygren to play in a ball that Nick Viergever turned into his own net.

A penalty awarded for handball allowed Arne Engels to smash in a powerful penalty to make it 3-0 but the hosts then let the Dutch side back into the game. Dani de Wit curled a fine strike past Kasper Schmeichel to pull a goal back before half-time.

Adrian Blake made things nervy with a second-half goal to make it 3-2 but Auston Trusty powered in a header to restore a two-goal cushion.