After the shock team news that had Aiden McGeady and Andreas Hinel missing from the Celtic side it was a scrappy start to the match which suited Celtic nicely.
Celtic’s five man midfield provided some welcome flexibility and options after four season’s of a rigid 4-4-2 with two wide players leaving the central duo over exposed.
Ki Sung Yeung skied an early free kick and Charlie Mulgrew collected a harsh yellow card for ‘time wasting’ at a throw in but Lennon’s new look side settled comfortably with both teams obviously short of match sharpness.
All of the promising signs that Celtic had shown were undone in the 23rd minute when the assistant referee flagged for handball against Ki as he blocked a cross into the penalty box.
It looked a harsh call but possibly technically correct with Osorio Alan checking on his run to the penalty spot before sending his spot kick high into the net to put Braga in front.
The goal seemed to give Braga a lift with Celtic at full stetch without having any particular scares around goal.
A half-time score of 0-1 isn’t a disaster, another goal from Braga would make things very difficult but an away goal, with Marco Fortune, Gary Hooper and Paddy McCourt would be very welcome!
CELTIC Zaluska; Cha, Loovens, Hooived, Mulgrew; Maloney, Juarez, Brown, Ledley, Ki; Samaras
SUBS: Cervi, Fortune, Crosas, McCourt, Rogne, Murphy, Forest