Huge scare for Celtic in Champions League qualifier

Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2 Celtic 0 (Celtic win 5-4 on aggregate): Celtic reached the Champions League group stage for the first time in three years, but only after an enormous scare in Israel.

Substitute Ben Sahar headed the Israeli champions ahead in the 20th minute and the rattled Hoops were two down on 48 minutes when a mix-up between Saidy Janko and Gordon allowed Romania international Ovidiu Hoban the easiest of chances from a yard out, but the visitors held on for a 5-4 aggregate triumph.

The Scottish champions go into Thursday’s group-stage draw breathing a huge sigh of relief, knowing they will earn more than £20m and receive a incalculable boost to prestige and status.