MX23RW : Friday, November 22 23:20:37| >> :600:38898648:38898648:

Match Analysis: Spartak Moscow 2-3 Celtic

Sports Mole looks back at Celtic's Champions League 3-2 victory over Spartak Moscow, which is recorded as the SPL champions' first away win in Europe for over 20 years.

Celtic have ended their Champions League hoodoo by claiming their first away win in Europe for over 20 years thanks to a last-gasp header from Giorgos Samaras.

The Scottish Premier League champions looked likely to head back to Britain with yet another defeat under their belts in the first half but an impressive second half kept Neil Lennon's hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds alive.

Sports Mole takes a look back at the 90 minutes of the Group G clash at the Stadion Luzhniki.

Match statistics

Spartak Moscow
Shots: 10
On Target: 5
Possession: 53%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 11

Celtic
Shots: 11
On Target: 6
Possession: 47%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

In large, yes. Both sides looked dangerous at times during the 90 minutes but an impressive second-half display from Celtic proved that they deserved to take maximum points from their Russian opponents in Moscow this evening.

Spartak Moscow's Performance

The home side started strongly in the opening half, claiming two corners in as many minutes and their goal threat was always apparent but after losing Juan Insaurralde after he was sent off for bringing down Gary Hooper, damaged the side's attacking options and they looked vulnerable, which Celtic were able to capitalise on.

Celtic's Performance

The Scottish outfit struggled to compose themselves in the early stages of the contest and while they defended well initially, they were unable to force a genuine threat on goal and Gary Hooper looked isolated. After scoring against the run of play, the Hoops grew more confident in attack and they were able to take advantage of playing against 10 men in the second half.

Referee's Performance

Frenchman Tony Chapron had a relatively positive game but he stop-started the game on a few occasions, which prevented the game from flowing. He also took a long time to issue the red card to Insaurradle as he was unsure of the challenge and had to consult with his assistant referee.

Sports Mole's man of the match

While he was only on the pitch for around 30 minutes, Celtic's James Forrest made an instant impact when he was brought on. Within seconds he launched an attack to get Celtic back into the game and force an own goal, which eventually kick-started the Scottish side to victory.

Biggest gaffe

Dmitri Kombarov will not want to see the replay of Celtic's equaliser to take the scoreline to 2-2 in the second half. A shot from Forrest bounced off the goalkeeper, which hit Kombarov and dropped into the back of the net. While Kombarov may not have been able to stop the inevitable, recording an own goal is never something to be proud of.

What's next?

Spartak Moscow: The Russian side welcome Benfica to Moscow on October 23 as they desperately search for their first points of the tournament.

Celtic: Lennon's side have the daunting task of taking on Barcelona at the Nou Camp in three weeks' time.

ID:48069: cacheID:48069:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5098:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Georgios Samaras
Read Next:
Spartak Moscow 2-3 Celtic
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Steelers
19-24
Browns
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1FC KrasnodarKrasnodar1511403272537
2Zenit St PetersburgZenit1511313372636
3Lokomotiv MoscowLokomotiv15111330181234
4Dynamo Moscow1593331171430
5Spartak Moscow1584325121328
6CSKA MoscowCSKA1583424101427
7Rubin Kazan166462022-222
8RostovRostov154562026-617
9Akron TolyattiAkron164481933-1416
10Nizhny Novgorod154381527-1215
11Dynamo MakhachkalaMakhachkala15366914-515
12Krylia SovetovKrylia Sovetov153391323-1012
13KhimkiKhimki152671628-1212
14Fakel152671023-1312
15Akhmat GroznyAkhmat Grozny151681329-169
16OrenburgOrenburg151591630-148


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!