Narrow defeat for Celtic

Celtic came within 20 minutes of a place in the last 16 of the Champions League but a 2-1 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon means their fate remains in the balance until matchday six.

With Barcelona having won 3-0 away to Spartak Moscow earlier in the day, Celtic knew they were guaranteed at least a Europa League berth after Christmas and a scoring draw in Portugal would have ensured Champions League progress.

Benfica took an early lead through Ola John but Georgios Samaras levelled in the 32nd minute when he headed home a Charlie Mulgrew corner. Defender Ezequiel Garay volleyed in the winning goal to lift the hosts into second place in the table on the head-to-head record.

Celtic are at home to Spartak Moscow on December 5 and will qualify if they better the result Benfica achieve against group winners Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: "No-one gave us a prayer coming in to this competition but these players have been exceptional and we are still in with a good chance of qualifying."

On tonight's game, he added: "I thought there was a lack of composure to our play at times - a bit of nervousness, which is understandable. Our passing was poor and we weren't decisive enough. It was a poor second goal to lose but you have to give credit to Benfica for the way they played."

Champions League Group G details