Celtic cruise into Europa League group stages with 5-1 win

Celtic reach group stage of Europa League after 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava

Celtic reached the Europa League group stage with an impressive 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in the second leg of their play-off tie, sealing a 6-3 aggregate victory.

The Scottish champions were in control from the start and took the lead in the 18th minute when Jota fired home from close range after being set up by Liel Abada. Celtic doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Matt O'Riley's cross was diverted into his own net by David Hancko.

S Bratislava pulled one back in the 30th minute when Ivan Schranz headed home from a corner, but Celtic restored their two-goal advantage in the 39th minute when Kyogo Furuhashi slotted home after a defensive error from the Slovakian side.

Celtic continued to dominate after the break and added a fourth goal in the 57th minute when O'Riley tapped home from close range after being set up by Abada. Furuhashi added a fifth goal for Celtic in the 82nd minute, sealing a comfortable victory for the Scottish champions.

The result means that Celtic have now reached the Europa League group stage for the third time in the last four seasons. They will be joined in the group stage by fellow Scottish side Rangers, who reached the final of the competition last season.