Celtic face Benfica today at the Al Kass International Cup in Qatar after being squeezed out of a place in the last eight (kick off 12.35 Celtic Park time).
Yesterday a 1-0 win for Estudiates over Redbull Salzburg suited both teams with Michael O’Halloran’s side losing out by one goal after all three sides in Group C finished on three points.
Salzburg’s 3-1 win over Celtic proved decisive with the hoops finishing with a goal difference of minus one, Estudiantes had an even goal difference with Salzburg plus one.
The final match had shades of Algeria 1982 about it when Germany beat Austria 1-0 in the final group match with both countries progressing at the expense of the North African’s.
With Estudiantes leading 1-0 the report on the tournament website noted: “As the half-time whistle blew, both sides knew that they would advance in the tournament if the score stayed the same. But, five minutes into the second half, Red Bull almost levelled when the ball broke to Algin Aganovic just inside the area and he pummelled a powerful effort that Cordoba did well to keep out.
Later on the report noted: “Red Bull had a reasonable penalty claim turned down on 72 minutes when Szoboszlai fell under pressure in the area as he chased a loose ball into the area. Three minutes later the same player should really have scored. Stumberger produced an exquisite 40-yard ball over the top, which Szoboszlai brought down as he rounded the advancing Cordoba, but then momentarily hesitated, allowing the keeper to recover his position and gather.”
In Group B Benfica finished with one point after drawing with Aspire Football Dreams then losing 2-1 to Kashiwa Reysol.
Salzburg will take on Aspire Academy for a place in the last four with Estudiantes facing Inter Milan.