Celtic answered their critics in fine style as goals from Henrik Larsson and Simon Donnelly gave them a 2-1 victory to take back to Parkhead in their UEFA Cup first round clash against Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes last night.
The Scottish champions got off to a lightning start with a stunning diving header from Larsson after just 50 seconds.
The confidence visibly flowed into the champions as they proceeded to dominate the match and Jackson might have doubled the lead after six minutes but his header from Stephane Mahe's cross was too high.
Guimaraes, with five Brazilians in their line-up, gradually regained their composure and Celtic were grateful for Alan Stubbs' vital interception as Edmilson took aim at goal.
Donnelly's second 20 minutes from time put them in total command and although a late reply from Brazilian striker Geraldo was just reward for long periods of pressure from the home side, the Parkhead outfit will be confident of progressing to the second round after this stirring display.
Vitoria Guimaraes: Espinha, Carlos, Alexandre, Auri, Berto, Paneira, Costa (Riva 38), Rocha, Geraldo, Edmilson (Milovanovic 79), Gilmar. Subs Not Used: Neno, Soderstrom, Gomes, Arley, Kasongo. Goals: Geraldo 86.
Celtic: Gould, Boyd (Annoni 21), Mahe, Rieper, Stubbs, Larsson, Burley, O'Donnell, Donnelly, Lambert, Jackson (Hannah 90). Subs Not Used: McKinlay, MacKay, Kerr, McLaughlin, McBride. Booked: Donnelly, Annoni. Goals: Larsson 1, Donnelly 70. Att: 8,000.
Referee: M Frohlich (Germany).
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