MX23RW : Thursday, October 31 23:49:39| >> :120:35820:35820:
[monks data]
Celtic logo
Europa League | Group Stage
Oct 23, 2014 at 8.05pm UK
 

2-1

Scepovic (73'), Johansen (79')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Enache (81')

Celtic edge out Astra Giurgu

Celtic remain unbeaten in the Europa League as they battle to a 2-1 victory over Astra Giurgiu.

Celtic have kept up their unbeaten record in the Europa League with a 2-1 victory over Astra Giurgu on Thursday night.

A lively start from the visitors almost produced a goal for the visitors, who came close to breaking the deadlock when Constantin Budescu fired just past the post from a promising position.

Stephan Johansen of Celtic and Vincent Laban of FC Astra Giurgiu challenge during the UEFA Europa League group D match between Celtic FC and FC Astra Giurgiu at Celtic Park on October 23, 2014© Getty Images

Craig Gordon was called into action midway through the first half to get a vital hand on the lively Budescu's next effort, before Gabriel Enache dragged a shot wide of the target moments later.

Stefan Scepovic missed Celtic's best chance before the break when he headed over from just a few yards out following impressive work from Mikael Lustig on the wing.

The Serbian was guilty of being wasteful in front of goal once again early in the second half as he failed to add the finishing touch in front of an open goal after Emilio Izaguirre had picked him out with an inviting cross.

Ronny Deila's side were in control for long spells of the second half, but they were forced to wait until the 73rd minute for the breakthrough.

Stefan Scepovic of Celtic celebrates scoring his goal during the UEFA Europa League group D match between Celtic FC and FC Astra Giurgiu at Celtic Park on October 23, 2014© Getty Images

It was Scepovic who managed to end his own frustration by putting Celtic ahead with a close-range header from an Anthony Stokes cross.

A second goal arrived moments later as Aleksandar Tonev's dangerous cross eventually reached Stefan Johansen, who fired home from a few yards out.

Astra set up a dramatic finish when Enache managed to beat Gordon at the near post after Celtic had failed to clear a ball into the box, but the visitors were unable to snatch a late equaliser.

ID:184263: cacheID:184263:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4672:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Ronny Delia looks on during the Scottish Premiership League Match between Celtic and Dundee United, at Celtic Park on August 16, 2014
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Astra Giurgiu frustrating Celtic
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio33009
2Spurs33009
3Anderlecht33009
4Ajax32107
5Frankfurt32107
6Midtjylland32107
7Galatasaray32107
8Bodo/Glimt32107
9Lyon32016
10Rangers32016
11Olympiacos32016
12FCSB32016
13Fenerbahce31205
14Porto31114
15Slavia Prague31114
16Real Sociedad31114
17Roma31114
18Hoffenheim31114
19AZ31023
20Man Utd30303
21Plzen30303
22Ferencvaros31023
23Elfsborg31023
24Malmo31023
25Braga31023
26Besiktas31023
27FC Twente30212
28Union SG30121
29PAOK30121
30Ludogorets30121
31Nice30121
32RFS30121
33Athletic Club00000
34M. Tel Aviv30030
35Dynamo Kiev30030
36Qarabag30030


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!