Champions League

[monks data]

Champions League | Round-of-16

Mar 6, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Juventus
2-0
Celtic

Half-Time Report: Celtic trailing to Juventus

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 06 March 2013

Celtic end the first half 1-0 down, making it 4-0 on aggregate, against Juventus in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Italy.

Celtic have finished the first half 1-0 down against Juventus in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Italy.

The Scots are now 4-0 down on aggregate as their European hopes look to be all but over.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon before his side's match against Juventus on March 6, 2013 © PA Photos

The visitors started promisingly, but it was Juventus who had the first opening of the game when Fabio Quagliarella lashed his speculative effort off target.

Joe Ledley had Gianluigi Buffon worried in the home goal midway through the half as his powerful drive from 20 yards flew narrowly wide.

However, Juventus strengthened their grip on the tie with 24 minutes played when Alessandro Matri converted the rebound after Fraser Forster could only palm away Quagliarella's shot.

Celtic nearly pulled a goal back instantly, but Buffon showed quick reactions to turn Gary Hooper's attempt wide.

As both sides showed plenty of attacking intent, Luca Marrone smashed his effort over the bar at the other end.

The visitors' best opportunity came with 33 minutes on the clock as Gary Hooper was inches away from connecting with Giorgios Samaras's driven cross.

Buffon was called into action again in the final minutes of the half when he kept out Beram Kayal's header.