Berg helps Hamburg to Group C heights

Marcus Berg's second-half goal gave Hamburger SV victory at Celtic FC and moved them to the top of UEFA Europa League Group C, ahead of Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC on head-to-head record.

Celtic adrift
Both former European champions had chances to take the lead in a cagey first period but the Swedish international settled the outcome just after the hour with a well-executed shot from outside the area. Celtic are now three points adrift of SK Rapid Wien at the bottom of the section and need a good result in Hamburg on 5 November.

First-half chances
The home side had the first opening on 13 minutes as Shaun Maloney's corner from the left was headed on by Gary Caldwell but with the goal at his mercy Scott Brown sliced his shot wide. At the other end Berg missed after being teed up by strike partner Jonathan Pitroipa. Dennis Aogo's free-kick whistled over Artur Boruc's crossbar six minutes before half-time and just before the break Maloney miscued in front of goal with Scott McDonald turning a shot wide from the resulting corner.

Elia close
Celtic had more purpose after the interval with Aiden McGeady and Lee Naylor prominent on the left. However, on 51 minutes Eljero Elia rattled Boruc's crossbar from another Pitroipa cutback. Guy Demel needed to be alert moments later to snuff out Mark Wilson's cross with McDonald waiting to pounce.

Breakthrough
Hamburg were not to be denied and on 63 minutes Berg made the breakthrough. He linked well with Zé Roberto and Berg seized on his team-mate's through ball to rifle a shot low past Boruc. Manager Tony Mowbray made three substitutions as Celtic chased an equaliser but despite a skilful cameo from Paddy McCourt there was no way past Frank Rost.