Zimpapers Logo

PARIS. — Scottish champions Celtic withstood a furious fightback from Hapoel Beer-Sheva to reach the Champions League soccer group stage on Tuesday despite a 2-0 defeat in Israel, while Porto beat nine-man Roma 3-0 to advance. Leading 5-2 from last week’s first play-off leg in Glasgow, Celtic were made to sweat in the Israeli desert with goals from Ben Sahar and Ovidiu Hoban setting up a nervy finish.However, Brendan Rodgers’ side held on to progress 5-4 on aggregate and qualify for the group stage for the first time in three seasons, with Maharan Radi’s first-half penalty miss proving particularly costly for the Israeli champions.

Joining Celtic in today’s draw will be two-time former winners Porto after the Portuguese giants punished Roma for their indiscipline in the Italian capital, after the first leg finished 1-1. — AFP.