Henrik Larsson was once again the Celtic hero as the Scottish champions earned an admirable Uefa Cup first leg win over Celta Vigo in Glasgow.

The prolific Swede was on hand to score his 25th goal of the season and give Celtic a narrow lead in the third round tie.

Celtic were worthy winners over the side who are currently sixth in Spain's La Liga and could have won by a healthier margin.

The visitors were under pressure for most of the match and looked vulnerable when faced with Celtic's considerable aerial threat.

Celtic were given a wake up call in the opening seconds when Argentine international winger Gustavo Lopez warmed the hands of Rab Douglas with a fierce shot.

Larsson grabbed his 25th goal of the season

However, the home side soon found their stride and created several good opportunities of their own.

John Hartson lost his bearings when challenged by Vigo goalkeeper Pinto outside the penalty area and the chance to knock the stray ball into an unguarded net was lost.

Steve Guppy was then denied from close range by Pinto after sliding in to meet a Didier Agathe cross which had been deflected on by Larsson.

The rebound off the keeper hit a prone Vigo defender and bounced over the crossbar.

Then Agathe volleyed over the bar with the goal at his mercy when Pinto flapped a cross into his path.

The Parkhead crowd were given a fright when a low strike flashed across Douglas' goalmouth and Catanha was only inches away from connecting with the ball.

A free-flowing opening to the game was brought to a halt by fussy French referee Claude Columbo, who incensed the Celtic crowd with a series of strange decisions.

Celtic made a strong start to the second half and a Chris Sutton effort was deflected for a 51st minute corner.

Bobo Balde and Hartson rose to meet the delivery and the ball fell into the path of Larsson, who was alert enough to nod it over the line from a yard out.

The Spanish side upped the tempo in search of an equaliser with Lopez looking lively, but Celtic continued to enjoy the bulk of possession.

John Hartson was dangerous in the air

Larsson almost bagged a second goal in the 70th minute when he latched on to Hartson's headed flick, but Pinto saved with his legs as the Swede shot from a tight angle.

In the closing stages Vigo midfielder Edu wasted a good chance with a poor first touch in front of the Celtic goal.

The erratic display of the match officials continued to mar the game and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill was clearly exasperated.

Eventually, O'Neill was banished to the stands for his animated touchline complaints.

Celtic have failed on seven previous attempts to negotiate Spanish opposition in European competition, but O'Neill's men have given themselves a decent chance of breaking that run.

Celtic: Douglas, Valgaeren, Balde, Laursen, Agathe (Sylla 86), Lennon, Sutton, Petrov, Guppy (Thompson 84), Larsson, Hartson. Subs not used: Gould, McNamara, Fernandez, Lambert, Maloney.
Booked: Sutton, Hartson.

Celta Vigo: Pinto, Silvinho, Berizzo, Sebastian Mendez, Sebastian Mendez, Sergio, Lopez (McCarthy 83), Luccin, Jose Ignacio, Juanfran, Mostovoi, Catanha (Edu 49). Subs not used: Cavallero, Caceres, Giovanella, Coudet, Jandro.
Booked: Catanha.

Attendance: 53,726

Referee: Claude Columbo (France).