Celtic hammered Motherwell 4-0 in their Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash at Parkhead to set themselves up for Atletico Madrid in their Europa League group opener on Thursday night.
Man-of-the match James Forrest helped himself to a brace with further goals from fellow midfielders Joe Ledley and Ki Sung-yueng as the disappointing Steelmen were dismantled with ease.
Neil Lennon's men will travel to Spain with confidence for what is sure to be more difficult task as they remained one point behind SPL leaders Rangers, whom they meet in the first Old Firm derby of the season at Ibrox next Sunday.
It was a tepid start by the home side, skippered for the day by midfielder Beram Kayal, but they still went ahead after only eight minutes through Forrest.
An impressive move by the Parkhead side saw Gary Hooper link up with strike-partner Anthony Stokes and, when the Irishman's pass split the Well defence, Forrest guided the ball past Well keeper Darren Randolph from 12 yards with some assurance.
Just before the half-hour mark Chris Humphrey replaced Shaun Hutchinson who looked to have injured himself and there was soon more woe for Stuart McCall's side.
In the 33rd minute the Steelmen failed to defend properly again and, when Stokes slipped the ball through to Ledley, the Wales midfielder quickly slammed the ball past Randolph.
And it was all over in the 67th minute when Ki made it 3-0, the South Korean hammering in a drive from 25 yards after Ledley laid the ball in to his path after taking a Hooper pass.
New Hoops signing, Mohamed Bangura - the 22-year-old African striker brought in from AIK Stockholm - came on for Stokes to a great reception from the home fans.
There was a late shout for a Celtic penalty when Tim Clancy clashed with Forrest inside the box but referee Alan Muir was having none of it. But by then the damage was done.
Source: PA
