Sarajevo 1 Celtic 3: Lennon´s side score vital away goals

Celtic beat Sarajevo 3-1 away in the opening leg of their Champions League first round qualifier.

Neil Lennon’s side face a long road to the group stages but got their European campaign off to a good start with a hard-fought victory in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s capital on Tuesday.

They had to come from behind, Mirko Oremus putting Sarajevo in front from a poorly defended set piece, with Michael Johnston heavily involved in Celtic’s comeback.

The 20-year-old attacker got the Scottish champions back on level terms with an excellent solo goal before setting up Odsonne Edouard, with Scott Sinclair adding a late third.

Celtic dominated the opening exchanges but the hosts took the lead in the 29th minute. Scott Brown was unable to clear a left-wing corner whipped into the box and Oremus pounced to slam his finish past goalkeeper Scott Bain.

A fantastic performance from the Bhoys to earn victory here in Sarajevo.

Goals from @mikeyjohnston10, @Oedouard22 and @Scotty_Sinclair makes sure the Bhoys have the advantage to take back to Celtic Park. pic.twitter.com/eneQGRpq01

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 9, 2019

Celtic hit back within six minutes, Johnston evading the attention of three defenders before smashing home a superb 25-yard finish.

And they went 2-1 ahead six minutes into the second half, netting another vital away goal in the tie.

A clever team move saw the ball worked to Johnston and he slipped a pass into the path of Edouard, the striker doing the rest with a simple finish.

Sarajevo battled bravely but could not find a way to beat Bain for a second time, with Lennon’s men then taking full control of the tie thanks to a third goal in the 85th minute.

Sinclair had not long been sent on as a substitute but a clever backheeled finish past Vladan Kovacevic left Sarajevo with a mountain to climb ahead of next week’s return in Glasgow.