Celtic have started their first Champions League campaign in four years with a goalless draw against Benfica at Parkhead.

The hosts started strongly and put consistent pressure on the Benfica goal with a string of corners. However, the visiting defence stood firm to withstand the siege.

Benfica had a rare sight of goal on 15 minutes but Pablo Aimar lashed the ball high and wide.

Kris Commons saw his free kick fly wide midway through the opening half before the visitors began to enjoy a spell of possession.

Enzo Perez was first to fire over the bar before a promising counter-attack was snuffed out by Kelvin Wilson.

Buoyed by the fervent home support, Celtic went on the offensive after the break but another succession of corners came to nothing.

Commons then tried an outrageous lob from the halfway line midway through the second period but it went narrowly wide.

Celtic could have won it late on but Miku's cross was poor with substitute Gary Hooper waiting in the middle.