Celtic inch closer to UEFA Europa League group stages

Celtic’s rousing progress under manager Ange Postecoglou continued as they took a big step towards the Europa League group stage with a pulsating victory against AZ Alkmaar.

Kyogo Furuhashi turned in Tom Rogic’s superb cross to open the scoring before the break and make it six goals in six games since arriving in Glasgow.

It was no less than Postecoglou’s side deserved after a fast-paced, all-action first half, and after the break Kyogo teed up James Forrest, whose deflected effort found the net.

AZ were overwhelmed at times in the first half but created plenty of chances themselves, but a combination of last-ditch Celtic defending and profligacy means they go into the return leg in the Netherlands next Thursday in a difficult position.

Elsewhere, Benfica and Young Boys secured the narrowest of leads to take into their play-off return legs against PSV Eindhoven and Ferencváros respectively, while Malmö prised a two-goal advantage in their first leg with Ludogorets on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Sheriff took a giant stride towards becoming the first Moldovan club to play in the Champions’ League group stage, Shakhtar Donetsk won away from home and Salzburg snatched a late victory in the opening three first legs.

The second legs of all six ties will be played next week ahead of Thursday’s group stage draw.