Champions League

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Dec 5, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Celtic
2-1
Spartak Moscow

Match Analysis: Celtic 2-1 Spartak Moscow

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 05 December 2012

Sports Mole analyses Celtic's 2-1 Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow, which secured the Hoops qualification for the competition's last 16.

Celtic secured their impressive passage into the Champions League last 16 courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Spartak Moscow at Parkhead this evening.

Kris Commons scored the match-winning penalty late in the second half to see Neil Lennon's side qualify ahead of Benfica, who could only draw with group winners Barcelona at the Nou Camp tonight.

Below, Sports Mole analyses whether the result was reflective of the action in Glasgow.

Match statistics

Celtic:
Shots: 10
On target: 7
Possession: 40%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 11

Spartak:
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 60%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 22

Was the result fair?

Yes, and no. It is justified in the sense that Celtic have qualified, as any other result would have been harsh considering their excellent European performances this season. However, on this night, Spartak were probably the better side and deserved to end their Champions League season with at least a draw.

Celtic's performance

The Hoops were, understandably, nervy starters and had to be gifted a goal before they settled into the match. In the second period, Georgios Samaras superbly led the Celtic charge and along with Commons and Charlie Mulgrew, caused the Moscow defence plenty of unrest.

Spartak's performance

The Russians were tidy in midfield, with Kim Kallstrom linking up the play well before his late dismissal. However, they relied heavily on the brilliant Emmanuel Emenike to create chances for them. The 25-year-old forward possessed both power and pace and was a constant menace to the Celtic centre-back pair. In their own defence, Marek Suchy and Juan Insaurralde did not have great nights, with the latter at fault for Celtic's soft opener.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Georgios Samaras Emenike was fantastic for the visitors, but Samaras was central to turning the game in Celtic's favour. After coming close to an equaliser by striking the post, he earned the Bhoys their match-winning penalty, albeit in clouded circumstances. His work rate and footwork were exceptional and his delight with his individual display and the team result was evident with his emotional reaction at the final whistle.

Biggest gaffe

Celtic had not registered a shot on target when Insaurralde clumsily allowed Samaras's hopeful through ball through his legs and into the path of Gary Hooper. The Bhoys striker found the net with a convincing finish to rub salt into the Moscow defender's wounds.

Referee's performance

Experienced official Felix Brych had some big calls to make tonight and he may not have got all of them right. He correctly dismissed Kallstrom for a rash tackle on Commons, which left the Scotland international requiring a stretcher. However, his soft award of the crucial penalty to Celtic was dubious, as it appeared that Samaras made contact with Suchy rather than the other way around.

What next?

Celtic: Back to reality. They travel to Kilmarnock in the SPL this weekend, but future European ventures won't be far from their minds.

Spartak: A trip to Rubin Kazan, who are two points and three places above them in the Russian table, before a three-month winter break.