Celtic reach last 16 of the Champions League

Celtic are through to the last 16 of the Champions League after beating Spartak Moscow 2-1 on a dramatic night at Parkhead.

The SPL leaders had to better Benfica's result against Barcelona and did just that with a precious win as it ended 0-0 in the Nou Camp, where the visitors missed some good chances.

Gary Hooper seized on a defensive error to fire Celtic in front midway through the first half but Brazilian striker Ari chipped the ball over Fraser Forster to equalise before half-time.

There were just eight minutes remaining of a tense second half when Georgios Samaras went down under a challenge in the box and Kris Commons smashed the penalty in off the bar.

The Russians were reduced to 10 men when Kim Kallstrom picked up a second yellow card for a bad challenge on Commons and Celtic held on for a memorable victory.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: "No-one gave us a prayer in this group and it's a monumental achievement for the club to reach the last 16. The players have performed a miracle to qualify and it means the world to me to lead this team through.

"I didn't think we played well in the first half but Gary Hooper took his goal well. We were better in the second half and thankfully it came through for us. Kris showed a lot of character with the penalty. I've seen the last couple and we've missed them so I turned my back this time!"

Celtic's potential opponents in the December 20 draw are Paris St Germain, Schalke, Malaga, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP G TABLE