2014-07-22: Celtic 4-0 KR Reykjavik, European Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Trivia

• Second Leg, second qualifying round of the Champions League.
• Celtic go through 5-0 in aggregate.
• Three Qualifying Rounds to get through to Champions League for Celtic.
• Celtic playing at Murrayfield due to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
• Home and away legs switched due to the Commonwealth Games being hosted in Glasgow.
• Lots of Palestinian flags flown in some quarter as a mark of support to the Palestinians following recent flare-ups in the region.
• Virgil van Dijk has now scored the same amount of goals (2) as Anthony Stokes in European competition from 10 less games and 465 less minutes.
• Commonwealth Games to open in Glasgow with Celtic Park hosting the opening ceremony.
• Transfer Window open:
  • Transfers in: Craig Gordon
  • Transfers out: Mouyokolo (free)

Review

(Mubo L of KDS forum)
A very enjoyable day out watching Celtic a lot closer to home than usual.

We completely controlled the game against opposition as bad as we've encountered in Europe since MON's time in charge. Van Dijk absolutely strolled it and deserved MOTM. Pleased for Pukki as well, although this doesn't change how I view him as a striker. McGregor continues to progress and there were no let-downs; although some of Johansen's passing was erratic. All in all a productive start for Ronny Deila.

As for non-football matters, I was delighted with the attendance. Walking up I reckoned it would be 27,000 or so but almost 10,000 above that is impressive for a prelimary game such as this; more than we had v Cliftonville last year I believe. Sun was out, chilling with a few cans on the street, cannae beat it! Also kudos to the Green Brigade and the atmosphere in general, was consistently good and occasionally great; especially the COYBIG back and forth once it echoed from both sides of Murrayfield. Only down side was the clowns who ran on the park after Pukki's first goal.

Onwards and upwards, but please get the checkbook out Peter as it won't be this easy again

Teams

Stadium: Murrayfield (Edinburgh)
Referee: Andris Treimanis (LVA)
Attendance: 36-41k (estimate)

Articles

• Match Report (see end of page below)
• Audio Report: Paradise Report

Pictures

• Match Pictures

Forum

• Pre-match
• Match
• Post Match

MOTM

• Voting Thread

Articles

Celtic make light work of KR Reykjavik to progress in Champions League

• Celtic 4-0 KR Reykjavik
• Celtic win 5-0 on aggregate

Alan Campbell
The Guardian, Tuesday 22 July 2014 22.07 BST

Celtic v KR Reykjavik Teemu Pukki scores Celtic's third goal against KR Reykjavik in the Champions League qualifier at Murrayfield. Photograph: Graham Stuart/Action Images

It took Celtic 84 minutes to score their only goal in Reykjavik, but on Tuesday night in the unfamiliar environs of Murrayfield they wasted no time in finishing off the job. Wednesday night’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at Celtic Park will last for more than two hours; KR’s Champions League closing ceremony lasted only minutes.

Moving east along the M8 to the national rugby stadium inconvenienced Ronny Deila’s team not a jot. Aided by uncharacteristically poor goalkeeping from Stefan Magnusson, the central defender Virgil van Dijk scored two in the opening 20 minutes. The striker Teemu Pukki added a further brace as his side eased their way to a third qualifying round tie against either St Patrick’s Athletic or Legia Warsaw, who play on Wednesday night.

Kris Commons, especially, was unlucky not to make the night even more uncomfortable for the Icelandic team, but revelling in their night out in the capital, Celtic’s fans were more than happy with the evening’s work. A large contingent had made the journey to watch their side test out Murrayfield’s new hybrid surface.

Deila, who has now successfully navigated his own first test since replacing Neil Lennon as Celtic manager, did not pretend that there had been any huge struggle in dismantling KR. “The first half was good and we started the game well,” he said. “We kept them under pressure and won the ball back when we lost it. The second half was a bit sloppy I think. We should have been keeping up the tempo so we could win [by] more. But I have to be happy.

“The pitch was better than last week but we need to work in training to get the tempo even better. Today was a good start but this isn’t the best opponent we are going to get. But we have to start somewhere. We will have to take what is coming to us in the next round.”

Van Dijk’s opening two goals came from Commons’ corners, and if both could be attributed to the unfortunate Magnusson, whose shot-stopping in the two ties was far better than his ability to collect high balls, Deila was pleased that some early training ground work on set pieces had borne fruit.

Pukki scored the third seven minutes later, with KR again being damaged down the left. This time it was from a low cross invitingly placed in front of the Finnish striker by Callum McGregor, the scorer in Reykjavik.

Although Celtic scored just once more through Pukki 20 minutes from the end, humiliating the Icelanders wasn’t a prerequisite for the night. The Scottish champions went about their business efficiently and with flashes of flourish against a limited side.

The only downside for Deila is that he may not have Fraser Forster to call on for much longer. Celtic are reported to have turned down a “derisory” bid from Southampton for the England goalkeeper, but that is unlikely to be the end of the matter.

Celtic 4-0 KR Reykjavik (agg 5-0)
BBC
Virgil van Dijk and Teemu Pukki were the heroes as Celtic outclassed KR Reykjavik at Murrayfield to stroll into the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Dutch defender Van Dijk helped himself to an early double before Pukki repaid manager Ronny Deila's faith with a third before half-time.

The impressive Pukki completed his own double late in the second half.

Either St Patrick's Athletic or Legia Warsaw now wait in the next round.

Celtic had taken up residence in Edinburgh with Celtic Park hosting the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games, but they showed no signs of homesickness with a slick performance against limited opposition.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, KR had the first chance when English striker Gary Martin hit the post in the opening minute. But the deflected effort would not have counted with the assistant's flag waving. However, Van Dijk and Efe Ambrose had not looked too clever and it was an early wake-up call.

That was as close as the part-timers from Iceland would get as Deila's men finished off the tie as a contest with two goals inside 20 minutes.

Pukki, so often a frustrated figure under previous manager Neil Lennon, was given a starting berth by Deila and he showed his eagerness to impress with an early shot at the goalkeeper after a driving run by Kris Commons.

Stefan Magnusson did well to block the Finnish striker's shot and the follow-up from Leigh Griffiths, but he was at fault as Celtic took the lead.

He flapped at a Commons corner, allowing Charlie Mulgrew to head back across goal for Van Dijk to stab into the net.

Magnusson was at fault again as the Dutchman grabbed a second; taking advantage of a missed punch to finish Lustig's headed lay-off.
Teemu Pukki scores Celtic's fourth as the Scottish Champions brushed aside KR Reykjavic.

Teemu Pukki scored twice as Celtic brushed aside KR Reykjavik

Last week's goalscorer Callum McGregor was looking lively, and the 21-year-old hit the byeline to play a great ball for Pukki who slammed in the goal his first-half performance deserved on 27 minutes.

Last season's player of the year Commons was still looking for his first goal of the new campaign and he stung the palms of Magnusson twice within four minutes with two fierce shots from distance.

It was Pukki who had stolen his golden touch and he made it 4-0 when he knocked the ball past the goalkeeper who had rushed from goal and rifled into the top corner.

Commons was determined to add his name to the scoresheet but the post denied him late on.

21:53

"The first half was good, we started well. We created good chances and won the ball back quickly to keep up the pressure. It was a bit sloppy at times in the second half but I have to be happy with the result.

"It's a good start but this is not the best opponent we are going to get."
Former Scotland striker Billy Dodds on BBC Radio Scotland

Posted at 21:50

"Another creative player and a striker, that'll do nicely for the Celtic fans."

Posted at 21:45

Fraser Forster wasn't troubled at all tonight. With Southampton sniffing around, can Celtic afford to sell their goalkeeper? He'll be a tough man to replace but if Craig Gordon can rediscover his form of old then maybe it would make sense.

Lukasz Zaluska was on the bench tonight, which might suggest Gordon is not quite there yet after his lengthy lay-off.
Tom English on BBC Radio Scotland

Posted at 21:40

"I'm a huge Kris Commons fan but there is too much onus on him and I still think Celtic need a poacher up front. It's now a question of ambition. Will they go out and spend the money to make sure of Champions League football? But it's not a new question, Celtic fans have been asking it for a while and I suspect they know the answer."

Posted at 21:36

Next up for Celtic is either St Patrick's Athletic or Legia Warsaw. That tie is poised at 1-1 ahead of tomorrow's second leg in Dublin.
FULL-TIME

Celtic 4-0 KR Reykjavik (5-0)

Posted at 21:32
Celtic were 4-0 winners at Murrayfield

Two goals apiece for Virgil van Dijk and Teemu Pukki on a comfortable evening for Celtic. Two more rounds to negotiate if there is to be Champions League group stage football for a third consecutive season.
Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

Posted at 21:31

"It's been a thoroughly professional job from Celtic. They came out of the traps quickly and killed the tie off."

Posted at 21:29

Charlie Mulgrew, captaining Celtic in the absence of the injured Scott Brown, takes aim from 25 yards and Magnusson is right behind it.

Posted at 21:27

We're into the last few minutes at Murrayfield and the referee is surely going to put KR out of their misery by not adding much in the way of stoppage time.
HITS THE WOODWORK

Posted at 21:24

Here he comes again and this time the post denies Kris Commons as he meets a low cross with a first-time strike. Time is running out for the playmaker to get on the scoresheet.

Posted at 21:21

It's a bicycle kick from the lively Kris Commons now and it flies high over the crossbar…

Posted at 21:19

As I was sorting out that picture of Teemu Pukki's fine finish, Kris Commons had a go with a dig from fully 40 yards but his shot drifts over.

Posted at 21:17
Teemu Pukki knocks in goal number four for Celtic

Here's Teemu Pukki hammering in the fourth goal for Celtic and yes that's the KR goalie behind him after a rash adventure into no man's land. It's not been a great night for Mr Magnusson.

Posted at 21:14

Callum McGregor wants to get in on the scoring act after his debut goal last week but his lofted effort is gathered comfortably by Magnusson.
SUBSTITUTION

Posted at 21:12

Teemu Pukki gets a huge roar of approval as he trots off to be replaced by Liam Henderson.
GOAL

Celtic 4-0 KR Reykjavik (Pukki)

Posted at 21:11

It's two goals for Teemu Pukki, who bursts past the stranded goalie on the edge of the box, beats a defender, then thrashes the ball home from a tight angle.

Posted at 21:09

Mikael Lustig gets forward menacingly, with Callum McGregor creating space for the full-back. The Swedish defender drills in a cross, which has goalie Magnusson in trouble, but there are no takers in green and white.

Posted at 21:07

Celtic break at pace as Teemu Pukki drives at the creaking KR defence but his attempt to slip in Kris Commons is intercepted by the stretched leg of a defender.

Posted at 21:05

The Celtic fans are entertaining themselves with a few rowdy songs as a very one-sided contest threatens to fall flat.

Posted at 21:02

Kris Commons is at it again with what BBC Radio Scotland commentator Liam McLeod calls "a left-foot rasper", drawing a fine save from Magnusson, who tips it wide.
SUBSTITUTION

Posted at 20:59

Adam Matthews and Beram Kayal are coming on for Celtic. Emilio Izaguirre and Leigh Griffiths are the men making way.

Posted at 20:57

Kris Commons fires in a shot that Magnusson fumbles slightly but manages to gather at the second attempt.

Posted at 20:55

There are still people asking, so I'll repeat that the BBC Radio Scotland commentary is not available online. You can't listen in unless you have a good old fashioned radio, or even a fancy new one – or through your telly, if it's a posh one.

Posted at 20:53

Leigh Griffiths finds the side-netting with an angled drive as Celtic dominate possession against opponents who are chasing shadows.

Posted at 20:51

A late challenge from Sigurdsson angers Stefan Johansen. There's a spot of pushing and shoving but tempers are quickly recovered and Latvian referee Andris Treimanis is happy to keep his cards in his pocket.

Posted at 20:48
Celtic were 3-0 at half-time at Murrayfield

Will we see a few more goal celebrations before full-time? The forwards will surely fancy their chances of getting a few tonight.
KICK-OFF

Posted at 20:46

The game is up and running again…

Posted at 20:45

No changes for Celtic as the teams emerge for the second half.
Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

Posted at 20:44

"I'd like to see Tony Watt get a chance to prove what he can do. I was at the club when he was coming through and he was a fantastic talent. He got that famous goal against Barcelona but it all seemed to go wrong for him last season."

Posted at 20:42

Just a quick reminder that we do not have online rights for the BBC Radio Scotland commentary from Murrayfield. It's on 810MW/DAB for those of you with access to a wireless.

Posted at 20:40

We haven't seen much from Leigh Griffiths in the first 45 minutes. Is he suited to a role out wide? He's got a fearsome left foot on him when cutting in from the right.

Posted at 20:35

There's a debate amongst the BBC Radio Scotland team on Murrayfield v Hampden as national stadiums.

The action is at bit far away from the fans at the home of rugby but the new pitch is receiving high praise from the pundits.
Join the debate at #bbcsportscot

Posted at

Stephen Seggie on Twitter: "Merchant Navy boys in Casablanca crowded round a laptop watching updates on #bbcsportscot only way to do it…"

Dylan Billing on Twitter: "It's great to see Ronnie's point getting across, a big win to boost morale, against teams like this, they should only be big. #bbcsportscot."
HALF-TIME

Celtic 3-0 KR Reykjavik

Posted at 20:31

The tie is as good as over as Celtic lead 4-0 on aggregate. Virgil van Dijk profited from a couple of goalkeeping blunders and Teemu Pukki added the third goal at Murrayfield. It's been a stroll in the park for Ronny Deila's men…

Posted at 20:29

Stefan Johansen is dictating the pace of play from the middle of the park as he slips a clever pass to Emilio Izaguirre but the marauding full-back's raking delivery cannot find a team-mate.

Posted at 20:26

Stefan Johansen is next to try his luck for Celtic as a neat passing move ends with the Norwegian midfielder firing just wide of the target.

Posted at 20:24
Virgil van Dijk celebrates his opening goal

Virgil van Dijk was the early goal hero for Celtic, scoring twice inside the first 20 minutes at Murrayfield.

Posted at 20:22

Celtic striker Teemu Pukki is in the mood now as he sends a sharp strike flashing narrowly wide.
Join the debate at #bbcsportscot

Posted at

BBC Scotland's Tom English on Twitter: "I know the opposition is dreadful but Callum McGregor looks a really exciting player. Hungry for the ball. Bright as a button."
Join the debate at #bbcsportscot

Posted at

John McEnerney on Twitter: "#bbcsportscot no chance for KR now, tidy finishing from VvD. Now let's tune the engine big time & work out some of the kinks! Hail hail…"

Bubblehead on Twitter: "Glued to my phone watching the updates of the Celtic game. Only way to do it whilst living in virginia beach #bbcsportscot"

I'm not sure where Virginia Beach is (Virginia?) but it can't be as warm as Glasgow was this afternoon. A sweltering 24C…

Posted at 20:18

Kris Commons sets his sights for a long-range strike and Magnusson needs to make another smart save.

Posted at 20:14

Callum McGregor gets forward again and there is Teemu Pukki waiting for a carbon copy of his goal from a few minutes ago but his team-mate can't pick him out this time.
GOAL

Celtic 3-0 KR Reykjavik (Pukki)

Posted at 20:11

Callum McGregor speeds forward and cuts the ball back perfectly for Teemu Pukki to slam it home. It's three and easy for Celtic now…
Join the debate at #bbcsportscot

Posted at

Andrew Priestley on Twitter: "Although it is ludicrous that Celtic have to go through so many qualifying rounds, this is very good competitive game practice #bbcsportscot"

Paul Finnigan on Twitter: "Lying by the pool here in Las Vegas reading #bbcsportscot to keep up with the celtic game c 'mon the tic."

Posted at 20:08

KR keeper Magnusson goes some way to redeeming himself with a smart save to touch away a fizzing effort from Teemu Pukki.
GOAL

Celtic 2-0 KR Reykjavik (Van Dijk)

Posted at 20:04

Defender Virgil van Dijk has a second goal and again it's down to some calamitous goalkeeping. Magnusson misses a nod across goal from Mikael Lustig from a Kris Commons corner and the Dutchman is in the right place for another close-range finish – this time with his head.

Posted at 20:00

Some slack Celtic defending presents Kjartan Finnbogason with an opening but his effort is easily gathered by keeper Fraser Forster. The 27-year-old was with Celtic as a youth but could not break through.
GOAL

Celtic 1-0 KR Reykjavik (Van Dijk)

Posted at 19:58

Kris Commons floats in a corner and the keeper has a swing and a miss at it, allowing Charlie Mulgrew to nod the ball down and Virgil van Dijk is on hand to nudge the ball in from close range.

Posted at 19:55

Celtic are hogging the ball, with Stefan Johansen and Kris Commons prompting from midfield as the hosts seek an opening.
Join the debate at #bbcsportscot

Posted at

Toniwater on Twitter: "#bbcsportscot KR showed they can take wave after wave of pressure 4 80mins but The Tic need 2 see them off well before that! Mon The Hoops!"

BBC Scotland's Tom English on Twitter: "Pukki one-on-one. Straight at keeper. Big night for Pukki. Poor start."

Posted at 19:50

Kris Commons drives forward and sticks a sweet pass in front of Teemu Pukki but the Celtic striker can't get his shot past goalkeeper Magnusson. The loose ball falls to Leigh Griffiths and his strike draws another good stop from the veteran keeper.

Posted at 19:49

Kris Commons delivers an inviting ball into the opposition penalty box but Efe Ambrose makes a mess of his header, clearing the danger for KR instead of putting them under pressure.

Posted at 19:47

If you're saying Gary Martin doesn't sound very Icelandic, then you're right. The 23-year-old KR striker is a former Middlesbrough trainee.

Posted at 19:46

An early scare for Celtic as Gary Martin's shot takes a deflection off Efe Ambrose and thuds against the post. An offside flag was fluttering first, though…
KICK-OFF

Posted at 19:45

We're off at Murrayfield, with 'You'll Never Walk Alone' being belted out by the Celtic fans.

Posted at 19:43

St Patrick's Athletic or Legia Warsaw lie in wait for the winners in the next round. The Irish side earned a surprise 1-1 draw in Poland and those two meet in Dublin tomorrow night.

To reach the group stage, as Celtic have done for the past two seasons, they would need to then go on and win a third qualifier. A system, Ronny Deila said was "stupid", arguing that the club's achievements in Europe should outweigh Scotland's coefficient with Uefa.