Source: PA
Celtic`s European dream ended by Braga
First Celtic goals for Gary Hooper and Efrain Juarez proved to be the only highlights of the club's short-lived Champions League campaign as they beat Sporting Braga 2-1 but went out 4-2 on aggregate.
Paulo Cesar's away goal - capitalising on slack defending from new full-back Cha Du-ri - killed off any slim hopes of a comeback and put Braga four goals ahead on aggregate midway through a disappointing first half for Neil Lennon's men.
Hooper and Juarez salvaged some pride to win the game but Celtic never built up the attacking momentum needed to prevent them dropping into the Europa League play-off round.
Celtic's task, already tough, grew even more difficult when Braga snatched an away goal in the 21st minute. Alan was allowed room to cross from the right and Cesar ran across Cha before glancing a header beyond the outstretched arm of Lukasz Zaluska and inside the post.
The Glasgow giants levelled in the 51st minute when Marc-Antoine Fortune's power and skill won him space on the right side of the box and his excellent low cross was bundled home by Hooper.
Celtic went ahead in the 79th minute when Juarez's deft header flashed in following an inswinging cross by Georgios Samaras. And they pushed Braga back for the remainder of the tie but could not threaten again as their Champions League campaign ended at the qualifying stage for the second season running.
