Celtic contest Qarabag with Champions League play-offs at stake

Ronny Deila’s Scottish Premiership champions Celtic will face a tough trip to Azerbaijan to contest Champions League third qualifying round opponents Qarabag in a second leg clash, with a play-off place up for grabs.

The Hoops are used to being a dominant force domestically, having secured both the Premiership and League Cup trophies last term, but Deila will want his Glasgow giants to bring back those enthralling European nights to Parkhead.

His Bhoys looked to be edging further away from that target in the first leg until Dedryck Boyata’s last-gasp header earned a 1-0 home win, and are 5/1 with Coral to triumph with both teams getting on the scoresheet in 90 minutes.

With a narrow one-goal lead to defend, Celtic will have a do-or-die match-up to deal with in tough conditions on their travels to the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, and shot-stopper Craig Gordon believes they need to avoid becoming too cautious.

“Going over there is going to be very difficult. We are going to have to play a smart game defensively to come through it,” stated the Scottish goalkeeper.

“It’s a very slender advantage and we still have to approach the tie looking to score a goal.

“We look to do that regardless of who we’re playing and what game we’re playing in. They have shown that they could have the quality to score against us, so we will be looking to carry a threat at the other end and cause them some problems as well.”