MX23RW : Tuesday, December 17 02:49:37| >> :120:27026:27026:

Half-Time Report: Victor Wanyama gives Celtic advantage against Barcelona

Celtic lead Barcelona at half-time in the Champions League thanks to a Victor Wanyama header.

A header from Victor Wanyama has handed Celtic a surprise lead against Barcelona at half-time in their Champions League encounter.

Victor Wanyama© PA Photos

Barcelona dominated possession in the opening stages but struggled to create many clear chances, with a weak effort from Alexis Sanchez that Fraser Forster easily saved being the best of the early opportunities for the visitors.

Celtic did well to soak up the pressure and were rewarded for their stubbornness in the 21st minute when Wanyama climbed highest to head Charlie Mulgrew's corner past Victor Valdes and put the hosts ahead.

Lionel Messi almost responded within minutes of Wanyama's goal but his powerful strike was tipped onto the crossbar by Forster after the Argentinian had found space inside a crowded penalty area.

Barcelona hit the woodwork once again before the break when Alexis Sanchez headed against the post, allowing Celtic to hold on to their lead until half-time.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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