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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Real Madrid hand Celtic European glimmer of hope as miracle route to Europa League emerges

Real Madrid salvaged a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk - and it is a result the Hoops will be welcoming with open arms with how things panned out.

The Ukrainian heavyweights have fought valiantly with their Champions League Group F clash on matchday four amid Russia's invasion of their country ramping up with attacks in recent days. They provided themselves a huge boost in the match against this year's tournament winners by getting ahead through a goal by Oleksandr Zubkov just after half-time.

It's a result that has looked to have major ramifications for Celtic and their hopes of playing European football beyond Christmas. Ange Postecoglou's side live to fight another day on that front though after Antonio Rudiger scored a 95th minute leveller for manager Carlo Ancelotti to ensure that they are now through to the last 16. Shakhtar are third on five points with Leipzig now in second a point above.

READ MORE: Celtic land two UEFA fines as Rangers and Hearts also hit in the pocket by governing body

That's because of their clinical 2-0 win at Celtic Park that has ended the Hoops' chances of playing last 16 football this season.

Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg goals made their hosts pay for missing chances and they now need a huge end to Group F for Europa League involvement.

Postecoglou's team must beat the Ukrainians in a fortnight and take something from an away game in the Bernabeu, while also hoping results go their way.

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