Falling 1-0 behind within 15 minutes at home, Celtic will have every reason to be happy with tonight's 3-1 win against Rosenborg in their Champions League qualifier.
Yet five games from securing a place within the group stages of the Champions League, tonight's game will have provided Brendan Rodgers' side with a much needed test. After a series of less than competitive ties, the Scottish champions will know they will have to put in a solid performance to ensure they progress at the expense of Rosenborg.
In Park Head this evening, it was the Norwegians who got off to a flying start. Hitting a high-pressing Celtic on the counter-attack, a well-worked move allowed Birger Meling for the game's opening goal.
Responding well to this initial setback, it nevertheless took Celtic nearly half-an-hour to reply in kind; Odsonne Edouard repaying the record-breaking fee Celtic parted with to acquire the Frenchman on a full-time basis.
1-1 at half-time, the Scottish champions came out flying for the second-half. Taking less than a minute to score, it was another Frenchman Olivier Ntcham who put his side 2-1 ahead.
With a delightful touch, feint and strike, Ntcham's goal was exactly what was required.
From there, it seemed all the home side were concerned with was doing all they could to make the away leg that bit less of a daunting challenge.
Edouard again would give Celtic a goal they certainly needed; the Frenchman's second of the night was an absolutely wonderful finish.
That was to be all they could manage on the night. With a convincing second-half performance, Celtic will be confident of getting the necessary result in Norway during the return leg.
