Celtic through to UEFA Cup final

Boavista 0, Celtic 1 (Celtic win 2-1 on aggregate)

Henrik Larsson struck his 40th goal of the season 12 minutes from time to put Celtic into the final of the UEFA Cup with a dramatic victory over Boavista in the Bessa Stadium tonight.

The home side brought on Luiz Claudio for Silva in the 70th minute and he almost got on the end of Martelinho’s cross, but for Douglas’ awareness to cut the ball out.

Celtic’s desperation grew as the clock ticked away and Thompson had the fans off their seats moments later, but his fierce long-range drive flew wide.

Avalos was deservedly booked for a reckless foul from behind on Larsson in the 75th minute before O’Neill sacrificed Valgaeren for an attacker in Jamie Smith.

And the Northern Irishman’s bold move paid off in the 79th minute when Larsson made up for his earlier miss to put Celtic ahead – and grab them an away goal.

The Swede had fortune on his side as Sutton’s intended pass broke off the defender into his path and he coolly slotted the ball past Ricardo from close range.

Celtic breathed a sigh of relief in the 86th minute when Jocivalter went down theatrically in the box under the challenge of Agathe.

But referee Ivanov waved play on before sparking wild celebrations with his full-time whistle as they prepare to face Porto in the final of the UEFA Cup on May 21.