Updated at 21.55
BATE 2
Dundalk 1
DUNDALK’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hopes are in the balance, after they were beaten 2-1 away against Belarusian side BATE in the first leg of tonight’s second-round qualifier.
The Irish team endured a difficult start, as they fell behind when Aleksandr Karnitski finished well from just outside the box, after Chris Shields conceded possession in a dangerous area.
Dundalk scored a deserved equaliser with just over half an hour played, however, when David McMillan finished coolly after the ball deflected fortuitously into his path.
Evgeni Yablonski then scored the winner on 38 minutes, as his pot shot took a wicked deflection off Shields to give BATE a slight advantage going into next week’s second leg at Oriel Park.
Dundalk wasted some excellent chances before their eventual breakthrough — McMillan saw a header well saved by Sergei Chernik after a pinpoint Richie Towell delivery, before the striker blasted over the rebound.
Dane Massey’s header also brought out the best in Chernik, who acrobatically palmed his opponent’s effort away for a corner.
The second half was less open, with the hosts enjoying more of the play but struggling to create clear-cut chances.
BATE’s best chance of the second period arrived on 57 minutes, when Nemanja Milunovic’s downward header from close range was well saved by Gary Rogers.
The Irish side rarely looked like conceding after the break though, and will still be optimistic about their chances of progression ahead of the return fixture next week.
Meanwhile, Dedryck Boyata headed a debut goal as Celtic secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Stjarnan in the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie at Parkhead.
Another summer recruit, Nadir Ciftci, passed up a succession of chances to break the deadlock as Ronny Deila’s side dominated their Icelandic opponents, but it was left to former Manchester City defender Boyata to open the scoring in the 44th minute.
Jeppe Hansen and Horour Arnason missed opportunities to level after the break as Stjarnan belatedly made their presence felt as an attacking force, but the impressive Stefan Johansen netted in style to give Celtic breathing space.
Dundalk: Gary Rogers, Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey, Stephen O’Donnell (c), Chris Shields, John Mountney, Richie Towell, Daryl Horgan, David McMillan. Subs: Ronan Finn, Kurtis Byrne, Shane Grimes, Paddy Barrett, Jake Kelly, Darren Meenan Gabriel Sava.
Great to get through but it’s not the one we wanted, Roll on the Huns on Sunday
@Alan Brazil: Jesus Alan. We have something in common. Big game for the hoops
@Alan Brazil: same craic every year , start to improve after getting knocked out of champions league..still though would have got some spanking in the group they would been in , Barca ,Dortmund, inter . Gone are the glory days when they could get a champions league result . .
I don’t know what has gone on with Lennon and Sinclair. Sinclair good for 20 goals a season and he’s been frozen out in favour of Lewis Morgan.. Lennon seems to make stupid decisions, Celtic clearly through with 20 mins to go and he leaves all his star players on with an important game on Sunday. Edwaurd then goes off injured..
@David Garland: Stop your whinging, they won 4-1 what more do you want? Get behind Lennon and the team rather than complain
An away win in Europe is rare. A score line of 4-1 is unheard of. Good to see the holy goalie back in Glasgow.
A nice double on Sunday would be nice. Starting with the Celts and finishing with 5 in a row.
Hail Hail.
Up the Dubs.
It’s not whining wanting to know why one of our better players is not even making the bench. As I said Sinclair contributes around 20 goals a season and by the looks of Rangers this season Celtic could do with his goals, he’s a far better option that Morgan who shouldn’t be near a Celtic jersey..
Very poor performance but still put 4 goals on the board. Great going forward but my good God the backline is woeful. Whoever scouted Boli needs sacking, that lad is a bomb scare. Hopefully Lennon can get it right before the transfer window closes and get in a few decent signings for a change.
Played well, can they meet rangers in group?
@Dougal67: not until the knock out stages, teams from the same country are kept apart