Celtic - who extended their unbeaten run to 41 games - have started the season in

fine form, and were ahead after only half-an-hour as Tom Rogic's saw his effort
deflected over the line by Astana's Evgeny Postnikov.

The unfortunate defender then missed a gilt-edged opportunity, and then, just before
the half-time break, Sinclair doubled the hosts' advantage.

Sinclair grabbed his second of the evening after the restart, but not without
controversy. Rogic and Yuri Logivinenko were involved in a sickening clash of heads
in the build-up, but referee Ovidiu Haegan allowed play to continue.

The drama wasn't over there however, as James Forrest grabbed a fourth, before
Leigh Griffiths's shot was turned in by Igor Shitov as Celtic ran riot in front of their
60,000 fans in Glasgow's East End.

The return leg against the Kazakh champions takes place on Tuesday, but barring a
minor miracle, Celtic will be qualifying for the group stage for the second straight year
- an outcome that will see the club secure upwards of 25m as Brendan Rodgers'
side mix it with Europe's elite.

TALKING POINT
Classy Celtic steal the show: This time last year, Celtic nervously battled their way
past FC Astana, somewhat unconvincingly sealing their place in the group stages
after a 3-2 aggregate victory. Fast forward 12 months and Brendan Rodgers' side are
a different beast. Sceptics claim the Scottish champions would struggle to survive in
the Premier League, but Rodgers has assembled a fine side that may well cause a
major upset amongst Europe's best this season.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Leigh Griffiths (Celtic): Had his goal cruelly taken from him by the Dubious Goals
Committee, but the 26-year-old deserved better. He was involved with everything
positive this evening and his movement caused chaos in the FC Astana defensive
line.

PLAYER RATINGS
Celtic: Gordon 7; Lustig 7, Biton 7, Simunovic 7, Tierney 8; Brown 7, Nitcham 7;
Forrest 8, Rogic 8, Sinclair 8; Griffiths 9. Subs: Armstrong N/A, McGregor 6.

FC Astana: Mokin 5; Shitov 4, Postnikov 5, Logvinenko 5, Shomko 4; Maevski 5,

Kleinhesler 5; Twumasi 5, Mushikov, Tomasov 5; Kabananga 6. Subs: Grahovic N/A,
Beisebekov 5, Murtazayec 5.

KEY MOMENTS
7' - JUST WIDE! Griffiths peels off his marker to meet James Forrest's inch-perfect
cross, but somehow directs his header wide of the Astana goal. Some of the Celtic
fans thought it was in. A big opportunity has gone begging.
32' - GOAL! Celtic 1-0 FC Astana. Celtic are ahead! Tom Rogic collects the ball
outside the penalty area. He goes past a defender too easily, closes in on the
goalkeeper and slides the ball into the bottom of the net. The last touch was by
Evgeny Postnikov so it'll go down as an OG.

33' - CLOSE! Astana win a corner straight from kick-off and should level the scores!
Gordon is all at sea as the cross is delivered, but the unmarked Postnikov mis-times
his jump and nods wide of the goal.

42' - GOAL! Celtic 2-0 FC Astana. A HUGE goal, Celtic are now two ahead! Scott
Sinclairpounces on a loose ball in midfield, takes a touch which sets him up to shoot
and coolly delivers it inside the post. Goalkeeper should have done better, but Celtic
won't care one little bit.

60'- GOAL! Celtic 3-0 FC Astana. The Scottish champions are now surely out of
sight. Scott Sinclair tucks home his second of the evening to give his side some
breathing space. It's not without controversy though - Rogic and Logivinenko were
involved in a sickening clash of heads in the build-up, but the referee allowed play to
continue.

79' - GOAL! Celtic 4-0 FC Astana. Celtic are all but through to the group stages
now! Leigh Griffiths tees up James Forrest who tucks the ball home from the tightest
of angles. It caps a fine night for Brendan Rodgers' side.

88' - GOAL! Celtic 5-0 FC Astana. Leigh Griffiths' low shot is deflected in by Igor
Shitov - fortunate, but it's in nonetheless.