Celtic break Benfica

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2006

GLASGOW (AFP) — Celtic crushed Benfica 3-0 in Glasgow to take a huge step towards qualifying from the Champions League group stages for the first time. A Kenny Miller double and a late strike from substitute Stephen Pearson gave Gordon Strachan's team an emphatic second victory in Group F. And with Celtic now five points clear of both Benfica and FC Copenhagen ahead of the return match against the Portuguese side in two weeks time they now have qualification for the next stage in their sights.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan admitted he could not believe his side won so easily and praised his players for their performance. "To win by three goals is beyond my wildest expectations. I knew we could win but not by that margin," said Strachan. "The players can be proud of...