Champions League Play-Offs: Celtic and Bodø/Glimt Take Control in First Legs

Wednesday's Champions League play-off first legs saw both Celtic and Bodø/Glimt take control of their ties with convincing away-goal buffers, after Tuesday's three fixtures had all ended level.

Celtic 3-0 LASK: Celtic put in a ruthless finishing display at Celtic Park to seal a commanding first-leg lead over the Austrian champions. Benjamin Nygren curled home the opener after LASK had twice had the ball in the net in the opening minutes, both efforts ruled out for offside. Camilo Duran then struck twice, first turning in a Kieran Tierney cross before sidefooting home a second after a one-two, to complete the scoring. LASK, unbeaten in eight games across all competitions coming in, huffed and puffed but could not find a way past a resolute Celtic defence. The second leg follows in Linz next Tuesday.

Bodø/Glimt 3-1 NEC Nijmegen: The Norwegian side made history with their first-ever away win in a Champions League qualification play-off, moving them to the brink of a return to the league phase. Sondre Fet opened the scoring after a slick move involving Jens Petter Hauge, before Andreas Helmersen doubled the lead from the penalty spot just before half-time. Haitam Aleesami added a third early in the second half to put the tie to bed, and though Clement Bischoff pulled one back late for NEC, it did little to change the complexion of the contest. The return leg takes place in Norway next week.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Slovan Bratislava and Celje played out a 1-1 draw, leaving that tie finely balanced heading into the second leg. With two of Wednesday's three ties now well in the control of the away underdogs turned first-leg favourites, the return fixtures promise to be decisive for spots in this season's Champions League league phase.