Nomme Kaliju 0-2 Celtic: Shved scores on debut as Hoops cruise into Champions League third qualifying round
- Shved scored in injury-time to give Celtic a routine win in Estonia
- The Hoops will face either Maccabi Tel Aviv or Cluj in the next round
- Celtic’s £7 million signing Christopher Jullien made his debut
Celtic cruised into the third qualifying round of the Champions League with a 2-0 (7-0 agg) win over Nomme Kaliju.
The Hoops were all but assured of their path to the next round following their demolition job at Celtic Park and their progress was never in doubt in Estonia.
An own goal from Aleksandr Kalunitis after 10 minutes gave Celtic the lead and an injury-time strike from debutant Marian Shved sealed the win.
Marian Shved scored on his debut as Celtic cruised through to the next round
New signing Christopher Jullien saw a late goal disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper
Celtic’s 7-0 aggregate win means they will face Maccabi Tel Aviv or Cluj in the next round
Neil Lennon’s men started on the front foot and they made a dream start when Michael Johnston’s cross was diverted into the back of the net by the outstretched leg of Kalunitis.
The visitors continued to dominate proceedings and should have extended their lead before the break, with Johnston going close to making it 2-0 with a rising shot from range.
It was one way traffic in the second half, as well, as the impressive Oliver Ntcham curled a shot just wide on 50 minutes and debutant Christopher Jullien headed over the crossbar from close range.
However, Celtic were given a fright when Kaspar Paur forced a fine save from Craig Gordon before the introduction of new signing Marian Shved game them fresh impetus.
The Ukrainian saw his effort one-on-one saved by Kaliju goalkeeper Pavel Londak, while fellow new signing Christopher Jullien had a goal disallowed for a foul on Londak.
However, Shved made sure of his second chance in injury-time when he found the top corner with a curling effort from the edge of the area.
Celtic’s win means they will face either Maccabi Tel Aviv or Cluj in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.