Celtic 1-0 Qarabag: Late Dedryck Boyata winner gives Bhoys edge in Champions League qualifier

Celtic’s Champions League hopes remain on track after Dedryck Boyata’s late winner gave them a narrow 1-0 victory over Qarabag at Parkhead.

Ronny Delia’s side had a frustrating evening with Gary Mackay-Steven’s effort their only shot on target in the first half.

The Scottish champions improved after the break but apart from a great save by Qarabag keeper Ibrahim Sehic from Virgil van Dijk, they posed little threat until former Manchester City defender Boyata headed in a Kris Commons corner eight minutes from the end.

Celtic have a crucial goal to defend in the return game in Baku next Wednesday night, although on the evidence of the first-leg the tie is far from over.

The hosts first real attempt on goal came in the 24th minute when midfielder Mackay-Steven's drive from the edge of the box was grabbed by Sehic at the second attempt.

The Azerbaijani champions might have punished Celtic had Alharbi El Jadeyaoui not over-hit his cross from the right with the Hoops defence scrambling to get back.

Celtic's start to the second-half was better and Sehic made a fantastic save from a powerful Van Dijk header.

Commons came on for Nadir Ciftci with 10 minutes remaining and, when he whipped in a corner from the right, Boyata - who scored in the previous round at home to Stjarnan - rose high to bullet his header past Sehic.