Celtic 3-1 Rennes: Match Report

Stokes sets up Hoops victory

Anthony Stokes' first-half double and a late strike from substitute Gary Hooper gave Celtic a 3-1 victory over Rennes at Parkhead to boost their Europa League hopes.

Skipper Kader Mangane headed the French side into the lead from a Julien Feret corner with less than two minutes on the clock but on the half-hour mark James Forrest's drive was parried by Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil to the feet of Stokes, who knocked into the net from close range.

Two minutes before the break Stokes grabbed his second with a drive after racing onto a Georgios Samaras header and in the 81st minute the Greece striker set up Hooper, on for Forrest, to score number three as the visitors finished with 10 men after star midfielder Yann M'Vila was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.