Mixed feelings as woeful Celtic lose to Salzburg but still qualify
Celtic 1 Red Bull Salzburg 3
FC Salzburg's Alan scores his first goal during the UEFA Europa League match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday November 27, 2014. See PA story SOCCER Celtic. Photo credit should read Danny Lawson/PA Wire.
Celtic's Leigh Griffiths and FC Salzburg's Andre Ramalho battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa League match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday November 27, 2014. See PA story SOCCER Celtic. Photo credit should read Danny Lawson/PA Wire.
Leigh Griffiths and Celtic had mixed feelings after qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages despite defeat at home to Salzburg.
The Hoops made a dismal start, falling behind to two volleys from Alan inside the first 13 minutes.
Stefan Johansen pulled one back but Griffiths saw his close-range header saved in Celtic's best opportunity for an equaliser, and Naby Keita made it 3-1 in injury time.
However, Dinamo Zagreb's 1-0 loss at Astra in the other Group D game meant Ronny Deila's side are uncatchable by both those sides with only a trip to Croatia remaining.
Griffiths told BT Sport 1: "We're disappointed to lose the game.
"I had great chance to make it two each, the goalie's made a great save but I've got to do better.
"But the boys put in a great performance, we're through now and we're delighted."
Griffiths has had to wait for his chance in the line-up and said: "I was just delighted to get a start, I was cramping up near the end but hopefully I've done enough to put myself in contention for Sunday (against Hearts in the Scottish Cup).
FC Salzburg's Alan scores against Celtic during their Europa League Group D soccer match at Celtic Park Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland November 27, 2014. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)
"I've said I had to work hard and wait for my chance and I've taken it tonight."
