Goals from Odsonne Edouard, James Forrest and Callum McGregor gave Celtic victory in the first leg of the Champions League first qualifying round tie against Alashkert. In their first competitive outing of the season, Brendan Rodgers’ side were tested in the searing Yerevan heat. Celtic’s superior finishing proved the difference as Edouard and Forrest struck either side of the break.
McGregor’s goal at the death turned a good win into an emphatic one. The second leg takes place at Celtic Park on Wednesday, 18 July. Scotland’s champions must negotiate an extra qualifying round if they are to make the Champions League group stage this season, with this the first of four potential ties.