Supporter mars famous Celtic victory

Champions League round-up:   A dramatic last-minute strike by Scott McDonald gave Celtic their first win over AC Milan in the…

Champions League round-up:  A dramatic last-minute strike by Scott McDonald gave Celtic their first win over AC Milan in the Champions League on a fiery night in Glasgow.

Captain Stephen McManus gave the home side the lead in the 62nd minute but six minutes later referee Markus Merk adjudged Lee Naylor to have grappled Milan skipper Massimo Ambrosini inside the penalty area and Kaka stroked home the spot-kick.

But with seconds remaining, McDonald pounced when Milan goalkeeper Dida had parried a Gary Caldwell drive from the edge of the box and the three points were secure.

But the drama was not over. A Celtic fan rushed onto the pitch and made contact with Dida - who, after briefly running after the supporter, fell to the ground and, after attention, was replaced by Zeljko Kalac as the game finished in controversial circumstances.

READ MORE

Television replays suggest play-acting on the goalkeeper's part although the seriousness of the encroachment should not be underestimated and Celtic are likely to face punishment from Uefa.

When the pandemonium died down at rain-soaked Celtic Park, the Scottish champions were left with three valuable points and their first victory over the Rossoneri in seven attempts.

Liverpoollost their unbeaten record this season and saw their Champions League dreams take a beating after a home defeat by Marseille.

Marseille, despite terrible domestic form, have now won both their opening Group A matches and appear likely to qualify for the knockout stages.

The French club's winner came from the night's best player, midfielder Mathieu Valbuena with 13 minutes left but their superiority should have been rewarded a lot earlier.

Porto's win in Turkey against Besiktas makes Liverpool's quest for qualification that bit harder.

Liverpool could not afford to repeat the slow start they produced in Porto in their opening game but they were again slow out of the blocks.

Marseille, clearly intent on impressing new coach Erik Gerets in his first match in control of the French side, made Liverpool look slow and way off the pace.

Chelseagot their Champions League campaign back on track tonight with a hard-fought victory over Valenciaat the Mestalla, a ground which is fast becoming a favourite haunt for the Blues.

Playing at the same venue where six months ago they had knocked out Valencia to progress through to the semi-finals of this competition, Chelsea overcame their recent troubles to match their 2-1 win from last time.

In identical fashion to that game last season, Chelsea needed to overcome a goal deficit, with Valencia took the lead taking an early lead through David Villa.

Joe Cole and Didier Drogba hit back with goals for Chelsea though as the London outfit, who had not found the net in their last four Barclays Premier League matches, bounced back from their disappointing home draw with Rosenborg in their opening Group B match.

Two goals from Goran Pandev allowed Lazioto come from behind and earn a 2-2 draw with Group C rivals Real Madrid.

Ruud van Nistelrooy poked in a Wesley Sneijder freekick in the eighth minute to give the Spanish champions the lead but the Macedonia striker replied with a venomous volley in the 32nd.

Real regained their advantage 16 minutes after the break when Van Nistelrooy raced unopposed on to goal after Raul had split open the Lazio defence with a smart pass.

Pandev earned his side a point with powerful shot from the edge of the area in the 75th.

Results

Group A
Besiktas 0-1 FC Porto
Liverpool 0-1 Marseille

Group B
Rosenborg 0-2 Schalke 04
Valencia 1-2 Chelsea

Group C
Lazio 2-2 Real Madrid
Werder 1-3 Olympiakos

Group D
Benfica 0-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Celtic 2-1 AC Milan