Champions League: Thompson's goal sees Celtic win

Celtic 1, Rosenborg 0 (full-time)

Alan Thompson’s free-kick could prove to be another priceless gem as Celtic lead Rosenborg at the break in tonight’s crucial Champions League match at Parkhead.

Janne Saarinen was booked for bringing down Stilian Petrov on the edge of the box and Larsson ran over the ball to give the defender the chance to hit a crisp left-foot shot through the wall and past Arason.

That was Thompson’s second goal in as many games and O’Neill would have been hoping that would settle down his side after looking nervy against the counter attacking of Rosenborg.

But they almost shot themselves in the foot in the 28th minute after a huge blunder from goalkeeper Robert Douglas.

The Scotland man came out to collect a Bent Skammelsrud corner, but he failed to hold it, but fortunate for him Johan Mjallby reacted quickest and the ball was cleared.

But the home side could have given themselves some breathing space with just six minute remaining until half-time.

Agathe skipped past Saarinen down the right flank and pulled the ball across the face of goal, but Chris Sutton was just unable to connect for what would have been a certain goal.

O’Neill would have asked for more urgency from his side after the break and his side almost delivered the perfect response just five minutes into the second half.

Sutton sent Larsson away, but Hoftun made up ground and he and Arason again did enough to put the Swede off and he pulled his effort into the side-netting.

Moments later and Petrov tried his luck with a 25-yard shot, but it lacked the power and direction to beat the goalkeeper.

But the visitors continued to look menacing on the break and the impressive Mjallby had to react to stop Odd Olsen on the edge of the box as he threatened to produce the equaliser.

Celtic, however, continued to sit deep, but they almost relieved some pressure with a goal in the 62nd minute.

Thompson’s free-kick was flicked on by Sutton into the path of Larsson, but keeper Arason was quick off his line to save at his feet.

O’Neill decided to change things four minutes later by taking off goalscorer Thompson and bringing on Steve Guppy.

And Celtic almost doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Petrov found Agathe for the winger to swing in a dangerous cross, but Hoftun again made a vital headed clearance.

Despite chances, Thompson's early goal was the decider at Parkhead.