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Celtic fight back to beat Sturm Graz

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Celtic 2 - 1 Sturm Graz Celtic mounted an impressive second-half surge to secure their first Europa League victory of the campaign and overcome 10-man Sturm Graz. Author |  Sean M Stadium |  Celtic Park Celtic corner Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren struck in quick succession as Brendan Rodgers’ side finally found their rhythm, much to the delight of a relieved Celtic Park crowd. The Scottish champions entered the night under scrutiny, with only a single point from their opening two group fixtures and a league defeat by Dundee still fresh in the mind. Given testing away trips to Midtjylland and Feyenoord looming next month, the need for three points here felt crucial. Closer analysis of what happened in Glasgow Pre-match huddle There was early frustration, followed by Kelechi Iheanacho limping off within minutes. It did appear to be a worrying sign. Celtic’s energy and ambition were clear, but their end product remained elusive, even as they carved out a series of clear...

Rangers' rotten start to the season continues

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Sturm Graz 2 - 1 Rangers Rangers’ troubled start to the season deepened with a second successive Europa League defeat, this time against Austrian champions Sturm Graz. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Merkur Arena View from the away end A stoppage-time winner at Livingston on Sunday had finally given Russell Martin ’s side their first Premiership victory at the seventh attempt, but any sense of momentum was quickly undone by Tomi Horvat ’s early strike. Rangers contributed to their own downfall once again. James Tavernier’s careless throw-in deep inside his own half was punished swiftly, the ball worked back and fired beyond the uncertain Jack Butland. The defence as a whole was culpable for the second. A precise free-kick sliced through a static backline and Otar Kiteishvili, the Georgian international, finished decisively before half-time. READ MORE |  Braga stun Celtic after VAR controversy READ MORE |  Postecoglou endures fan backlash after a damaging defeat If the night looked...