CELTIC will almost certainly meet PSV Eindhoven in the next stage of the Champions League qualifiers – if, of course, Ange Postecoglou’s men can overcome FC Midtjylland on Wednesday.
Only a disaster will prevent the Dutch side getting through following their rampant 5-1 home triumph over Galatasaray last night.
Israeili striker Eran Zahavi struck twice inside the first 35 minutes before Emre Klinc pulled one back three minutes from the interval, but PSV took over in the second period with Mario Gotze claiming a third. Zahavi completed his hat-trick before the German international hit a fifth two minutes from the end.
The Dutch side were ruthless as they took full advantage of a howler from Turkish keeper Fernando Muslera in the second minute when they claimed the crucial breakthrough goal. It was a nightmarish display from the netminder who also gifted Gotze the final goal, according to Sky Sports News.
So, Postecoglou and his players know what lies in wait as they travel to Denmark after Tuesday’s 1-1 stalemate in Glasgow where Vasilis Barkas also had a night to forget by allowing the visitors to wipe out Liel Abada’s debut goal. The Greek keeper was badly at fault as he failed miserably to cope with an angled free-kick from Brazilian Evander.
Galatasaray are now likely to face St Johnstone in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Elsewhere, Malmo beat HJK Helsinki 2-0 which could set up a tie with Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side, Legia Warsaw beat Flora 2-1, Olympiakos were 1-0 winners over Nefci and there were goalless draws in the games between Mura v Ludogorets and Slovan Bratislava v Young Boys.
