Celtic 4-2 Utrecht: Club record set as hoops qualify for Europa League play-offs

Celtic claimed a 4-2 victory over Dutch side Utrecht in the UEFA Europa League at Celtic Park on Thursday evening.

Celtic got off to a brilliant start, taking the lead in the sixth minute, with Benjamin Nygren tapping home Kieran Tierney’s cross from close range.

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Nygren was involved again in Celtic’s second goal on 10 minutes, intercepting a poor back pass from Vasilis Barkas and forcing Nick Viergever into an own goal.

It marked the earliest time that Celtic had taken a 2-0 lead in a major European game.

Nygren was close to getting his second of the night after whipping a free-kick towards the bottom corner, but Barkas turned it away.

The Hoops were awarded a penalty after Auston Trusty’s header hit Dani de Wit’s hand. Arne Engels stepped up to convert, slotting the penalty into the top corner.

De Wit halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time, leaving Kasper Schmeichel rooted to the spot.

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The Danish goalkeeper then made a super save, tipping a goal-bound effort away from goal, ensuring Celtic headed into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Nygren continued where he left off after the interval as the Swedish midfielder saw his effort tipped over by Barkas.

Utrecht made it 3-2 after the hour mark, when Adrian Blake beat Schmeichel from range, following a swift break.

Any hope of a comeback was dashed when Trusty guided Engels’ corner into the net.

The result sees Martin O’Neill’s side finish 21st in the standings, finishing in one of the play-off spots.