2012-08-08: HJK Helsinki 0-2 Celtic, European Cup

Match Pictures | Matches: 2012 – 2013 | 2012-13 Pictures

Trivia

• Champions League 2012-13
• Third round qualifying for Champions League group stage. Second Leg, Celtic 2-1 up from first leg. Aggregate 4-1 victory so Celtic through.
• Referee was a farce!!!
• One more round to go to get to group stages.
• Rumours grow of Ki transfer after a good Olympics for his national side in the football competition.
• UK going Olympics mad with record hauls of medals at the London Olympics. Scottish cyclist Chris Hoy is the biggest hero recording a UK record of achieving his sixth gold medal.

Review

(JungleG of KDS Forum)

A performance and in the end an aggregate scoreline to make a few of us look rather silly. After all the talk of Helsinki’s superior fitness mid-way through their season and our failure to get goals in pre-season, and worries about their away goal in Glasgow, we rather blew right past them. In fairness there was a visible improvement from ourselves compared to the first leg and no doubt the fact that that the players started off on our own league campaign with the game vs Aberdeen in-between times was a help as we appeared to be really hitting our stride for the first time this term.

The home side were never really in the tie from the early minutes though obviously until we scored nothing could be taken for granted given their away goal and they managed to give us a few small frights, but nothing that didn’t underline how ordinary and fairly wasteful a team they were in their own right. We looked a class apart which is rare on trips abroad. An away win and a clean sheet!

Last season’s two players of the year by my reckoning combining for the opener, a great Mulgrew cross chested home deftly by Joe Ledley, both hopefully picking up where they left off last term. Brown’s tenacity helped secure the second as he chased down a high ball and retained possession before we went back to front again and after a few more passes Sammy was teed up for a smart finish.

Those goals could easily have been the third or fourth of the evening had we not fluffed a few gilt-edged chances in the opening 15 minutes even, Brown rolling a shot wide when it was easier to score and Samaras flashing a volley across the face of goal. We didn’t have trouble creating openings at any stage of the match really.

In-between both strikes Wanyama got himself off for a second yellow – two fairly innocuous fouls but the second one was still clearly late and extremely stupid for any player on a yellow to make, not least once we’d got our noses in front on the night. A decision showing his inexperience and he’ll be a considerable loss for the next match. That forced the introduction of Kayal who kept up the pressing high up the field but also collected his own yellow in the process when cutting down a Helsinki counter-attack in much the same manner. Elsewhere Lennon can only have been delighted to see Rogne come back into the team and negotiate an artificial surface whilst barely breaking sweat.

It wasn’t a match that was ever going to hinge on individual moments of brilliance and our class told merely by retaining our shape, the midfielders and full-backs making themselves constantly available, and everyone keeping the self-inflicted errors to an absolute minimum. Those have been a feature of European performances but to go with the gradual improvement throughout last term’s Europa League showings (and the jettisoning of Majstorovic and Cha perhaps) there are now undeniable signs of this group of players and the manager finally coming to terms with these occasions, through admittedly the standard of opponent has to be taken into account, and we’re still talking the very bottom end of European football at this pre-qualifying stage.

Job done though, and most importantly a run of European games absolutely guaranteed even if at this stage it’s only for the lesser tournament. The prospect of going out here was unthinkable though and the nervousness of some supporters itself illustrated the pressure brought to bear almost instantly in the competitive season, so thumbs up to a totally professional evening’s work from the team.

Not one of the players turning up their sleeve collar to reveal the tricolour, though. Tsk. I thought they knew the history.

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Stats

Match Stats
HJK Helsinki v Celtic

Possession
46% v 54% 94mins

Shots
6 v 6

On target
4 v 3

Corners
5 v 2

Fouls
7 v 19

Articles

Sporting Life

Celtic eased into the Champions League play-offs thanks to goals from Joe Ledley and Georgios Samaras in the 2-0 victory over HJK Helsinki at the Sonera Stadium.
Rasmus Schuller goes up for a header.

The Wales international bundled Charlie Mulgrew's cross into the net the 66th minute before Samaras scored five minutes from the end to give the Scottish champions a 4-1 aggregate win and only their second away victory in Europe in 34 attempts.

Midfielder Victor Wanyama was red-carded in the second-half after picking up the second of two yellow cards but that did not take away from the Hoops' win which would could have been more convincing had skipper Scott Brown, who passed a fitness test on his hip complaint before the game, not missed an early sitter before Samaras passed up on a decent chance moments later.

However, manager Neil Lennon will be delighted to take one step closer to the lucrative group stages of European football's elite club competition.

There had been a lot of focus on the artificial pitch but Celtic, all in black, looked comfortable enough and in the early stages and it was the HJK Helsinki who appeared to have problems judging their passes, especially in defence.

The Scottish champions slowly grew in confidence as the home side's obvious limitations became clear and in the 12th minute Brown should have put the visitors ahead.

Mulgrew's pass beat the HJK defence to find the Scotland midfielder but although his first touch was good, he missed the target from 12 yards with just keeper Ville Wallen to beat.

Less than two minutes later Parkhead wide-man Samaras appeared ready to burst the net when he took a Kris Commons pass but he fired wide of the far post from the edge of the box.

Commons picked up a booking for dissent in the 27th minute from Austrian referee Robert Schorgenhofer for complaining about striker Gary Hooper being penalised again for backing into a HJK Helsinki defender but it looked like a small blemish in what was turning out to be a good performance by the visitors.

Hooper had the ball in the net moments later but the flag was up for offside.

Hoops keeper Fraser Forster might have had to make his first save 10 minutes from the break if HJK Helsinki winger Demba Savage had not taken a fresh air swipe from Sebastian Sorsa's cross to the back post.

Forster was called into action soon afterwards but only to make a comfortable save from Mika Vayrynen's long-distance drive.

In the 43rd minute, with the game flagging, Commons sent Hooper free down the right with a wonderful pass which allowed the former Scunthorpe striker to round Wallen but he ran too wide and the keeper saved the angled-drive at the second attempt.

HJK Helsinki came out for the start of the second-half in more determined mood.

Within two minutes of the restart, 17-year-old striker Joel Pohjanpalo, on for injured Juho Makela, set up Sorsa with a cross from the left but the defender's shot appeared to take a nick off Forster and missed the post by inches, with Celtic surviving the resulting corner.

The visitors had a penalty claim in the 51st minute when Wanyama's header at the back post from Commons' free-kick appeared to strike the arm of HJK defender Timi Lahti but referee Schorgenhofer waved play on.

Mulgrew and Wanyama found themselves in the book for fouls on Joel Perovuo and Sorsa respectively as Celtic's first-half composure briefly deserted them.

Just after the hour mark Forster made a good save from Mathias Lindstrom's close-range header, following a corner by Sebastian Mannstrom.

When play raced up the park moments later Samaras's low cross from the left was put over his own bar, somewhat fortuitously, by HJK Helsinki defender Mikko Sumusalo at the expense of a corner which came to nothing.

Celtic's opening goal came when Mulgrew decided to go on a run down the right flank to link up with Samaras and when his in-swinging cross came into the box Ledley chested it past Wallen from a couple of yards out.

It looked like the visitors were cruising to victory but there was concern with 20 minutes remaining when Wanyama was dismissed after picking up his second yellow card, this time for a foul on Vayrynen.

However, Samaras made sure of the win in the 86th minute when he took a pass from the tireless Ledley and fired low in to the far corner from 10 yards before taking the acclaim of the visiting fans behind the goal.

BBC

By Andy Campbell BBC Sport Scotland

Celtic completed an aggregate victory against HJK Helsinki to progress to the Champions League play-off round.

Scott Brown threatened as the visitors sought to cancel out HJK's away goal and the hosts' Sebastian Sorsa and Mathias Lindstrom had efforts saved.

Ledley chested the ball past Ville Wallen to give Celtic the lead on the night in the 68th minute.

A second booking meant a dismissal for Victor Wanyama but the 10 men added to their lead with Georgios Samaras' shot.

Neil Lennon's side will discover who they will face in the next round when the draw is made on Friday.
Joe Ledley celebrates scoring for Celtic against HJK Helsinki

Ledley's goal gave Celtic a crucial breakthrough

Celtic captain Brown, a pre-match fitness doubt, beat the offside trap to latch on to Charlie Mulgrew's terrific lofted pass but goalkeeper Wallen was untested as the midfielder placed his shot wide.

The artificial surface seemed to be posing no problems for the Scottish champions and Samaras chested down another high ball before flashing a dipping volley past Wallen's left-hand post.

The Finns were struggling to carve out chances and Demba Savage failed to connect with Sorsa's cross in their best first-half attack.

But HJK pressed hard at the beginning of the second period and Sorsa's low drive from the edge of the box was turned out by Forster.

Kris Commons' curling free-kick was met by Wanyama and Celtic's claims of handball after the header had been blocked were turned down by Austrian referee Robert Schorgenhofer.
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Lindstrom was unchallenged at Rasmus Schuller's corner and the defender nodded the ball into the ground only for Forster to awkwardly usher it out on the bounce.

The breakthrough arrived when Mulgrew found himself forward on the right in a Celtic break and his inswinging cross was forced past Wallen by the chest of Ledley.

But Celtic soon found themselves down to 10 men as Wanyama's foul on Mika Vayrynen resulted in a second yellow card and a suspension for the Kenyan.

It did not upset Celtic's rhythm though and Ledley's perseverance on the left was rewarded when Samaras collected the Welshman's cutback and placed a low shot into the net to confirm the Glasgow side's first away European win in three years.

Progress ensures Celtic will play group stage football this season with a parachute into the Europa League available if they lose their Champions League play-off.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +3:04 Full time

Full Time The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
90:00 +1:08

Mika Vayrynen concedes a free kick for a foul on Charlie Mulgrew. Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick.
88:14

Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
88:14 Booking

Booking Demba Savage receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
88:01

The official flags Demba Savage offside.
85:33

Assist on the goal came from Joe Ledley.
86:58

Mikko Sumusalo takes the direct free kick.
86:58 Substitution

Substitution Daryl Murphy is brought on as a substitute for Georgios Samaras.
86:58 Booking

Booking Caution for Scott Brown.
86:47

Scott Brown concedes a free kick for a foul on Demba Savage.
85:33

Joe Ledley provided the assist for the goal.
85:33 Goal scored

Goal – Georgios Samaras – H Helsinki 0 – 2 Celtic Georgios Samaras gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. HJK Helsinki 0 (1)-(4) 2 Celtic.
84:12

Erfan Zeneli has an effort direct from the free kick.
84:12 Booking

Booking Booking for Beram Kayal for unsporting behaviour.
84:08

Beram Kayal challenges Demba Savage unfairly and gives away a free kick.
81:47

Mika Vayrynen has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide left of the goal.
81:47

Joe Ledley has an effort at goal from outside the area which goes wide right of the goal.
79:13

The referee blows for offside. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.
78:58

Unfair challenge on Mathias Lindstrom by Georgios Samaras results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Mika Vayrynen.
77:43 Substitution

Substitution Akseli Pelvas comes on in place of Joel Pohjanpalo.
73:31 Substitution

Substitution Kris Commons goes off and James Forrest comes on.
73:31 Substitution

Substitution Beram Kayal joins the action as a substitute, replacing Gary Hooper.
73:15 Substitution

Substitution Erfan Zeneli replaces Sebastian Mannstrom.
71:23

Mikko Sumusalo takes the direct free kick.
70:56 Dismissal

Dismissal Victor Wanyama is shown a red card.
70:41

Victor Wanyama challenges Mika Vayrynen unfairly and gives away a free kick.
68:47

Mikko Sumusalo crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, comfortable save by Fraser Forster.
68:47 Substitution

Substitution Joel Perovuo goes off and Berat Sadik comes on.
68:47

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Sebastian Sorsa by Emilio Izaguirre.
66:25

Assist by Charlie Mulgrew.
66:25 Goal scored

Goal – Joe Ledley – H Helsinki 0 – 1 Celtic Joe Ledley grabs a headed goal from close in. HJK Helsinki 0 (1)-(3) 1 Celtic.
66:18

The ball is delivered by Charlie Mulgrew,
63:52

Unfair challenge on Joe Ledley by Sebastian Sorsa results in a free kick. Kris Commons crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing.
62:32

Corner taken left-footed by Kris Commons, save made by Ville Wallen.
61:55

Inswinging corner taken by Rasmus Schuller, save made by Fraser Forster.
61:18

Sebastian Mannstrom takes the inswinging corner, Mathias Lindstrom takes a shot. Save by Fraser Forster.
59:39

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Timi Lahti by Gary Hooper. Direct free kick taken by Joel Perovuo.
58:37

The ball is crossed by Adam Matthews.
56:18

Sebastian Mannstrom challenges Georgios Samaras unfairly and gives away a free kick. Charlie Mulgrew takes the direct free kick.
56:18

Georgios Samaras fouled by Sebastian Mannstrom, the ref awards a free kick. Charlie Mulgrew takes the direct free kick,
54:33

Corner taken right-footed by Sebastian Mannstrom, clearance by Kris Commons.
53:51

Rasmus Schuller delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right by-line, Thomas Rogne manages to make a clearance.
53:51 Booking

Booking Victor Wanyama shown a yellow card.
53:44

Free kick awarded for a foul by Victor Wanyama on Sebastian Sorsa.
52:13

Free kick taken by Mika Vayrynen.
52:13 Booking

Booking Charlie Mulgrew shown a yellow card.
51:57

Free kick awarded for a foul by Charlie Mulgrew on Joel Perovuo.
51:20

Foul by Mika Vayrynen on Charlie Mulgrew, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed left-footed by Kris Commons from left wing.
50:12

Demba Savage is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.
46:49

Corner taken right-footed by Sebastian Mannstrom from the left by-line, clearance by Thomas Rogne.
46:32

Drilled right-footed shot by Sebastian Sorsa. Fantastic save by Fraser Forster.
45:01

The second half kicks off.
45:00 +1:04 Half time

Half Time The referee calls an end to the first half.
43:19

Foul by Mikko Sumusalo on Kris Commons, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
41:49

Unfair challenge on Mathias Lindstrom by Georgios Samaras results in a free kick. Ville Wallen restarts play with the free kick.
39:20

Unfair challenge on Sebastian Mannstrom by Emilio Izaguirre results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Mika Vayrynen.
38:53

Shot by Mika Vayrynen from 20 yards. Save by Fraser Forster.
36:49

Foul by Joe Ledley on Sebastian Mannstrom, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Mathias Lindstrom.
35:09

The ball is swung over by Sebastian Sorsa.
32:27

Free kick awarded for a foul by Georgios Samaras on Sebastian Sorsa. Sebastian Sorsa takes the free kick.
31:18

Foul by Sebastian Mannstrom on Charlie Mulgrew, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
28:47

Gary Hooper is caught offside. Ville Wallen takes the free kick.
27:47

Georgios Samaras concedes a free kick for a foul on Sebastian Sorsa. Sebastian Sorsa takes the direct free kick.
26:37

Timi Lahti takes the free kick.
26:37 Booking

Booking Kris Commons booked.
26:25

Foul by Gary Hooper on Timi Lahti, free kick awarded.
24:50

Sebastian Mannstrom fouled by Scott Brown, the ref awards a free kick. Ville Wallen takes the free kick.
24:20

Inswinging corner taken by Kris Commons from the right by-line, save by Ville Wallen.
23:46

Sebastian Sorsa concedes a free kick for a foul on Georgios Samaras. Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick.
22:45

Corner taken by Sebastian Mannstrom, clearance made by Georgios Samaras.
22:13

Gary Hooper challenges Timi Lahti unfairly and gives away a free kick. Timi Lahti restarts play with the free kick.
21:05

Unfair challenge on Demba Savage by Scott Brown results in a free kick. Mika Vayrynen takes the free kick.
20:51

Emilio Izaguirre concedes a free kick for a foul on Joel Perovuo. Timi Lahti takes the free kick.
13:52

Effort from the edge of the area by Georgios Samaras goes wide of the right-hand upright.
12:21

Effort on goal by Scott Brown from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal.
8:56

Kris Commons has an effort at goal from 18 yards. Save by Ville Wallen.
6:59

Demba Savage produces a right-footed shot from just outside the area that goes harmlessly over the bar.
2:27

Scott Brown is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Timi Lahti restarts play with the free kick.
0:32

Free kick awarded for a foul by Emilio Izaguirre on Sebastian Sorsa. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Rasmus Schuller, Victor Wanyama manages to make a clearance.
0:00

The match begins.