In Champions League Group E on Tuesday, Lazio defeated bottom-seeded Celtic 2-0 at home thanks to two goals in the closing minutes from captain Ciro Immobile. The victory ended the visitors’ ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League or Europa League and put the Italian team in a strong position to advance to the last 16.
The hosts took the lead in the 82nd minute through a close-range goal from second-half replacement Immobile, who then doubled the lead three minutes later with a low drive after cutting inside with his left foot.
With 10 points from five games, Lazio has temporarily taken the lead in the group. If third-place Feyenoord loses at home to Atletico Madrid, who are in second place, later on Tuesday, Lazio will have guaranteed a position in the round of 16.
After a VAR review, the referee overturned his decision to award Celtic a penalty in stoppage time, but the team still only has one point and cannot finish in the top three.
Lazio had a better opportunity in the first forty-five minutes through Felipe Anderson, but the Brazilian missed the crossbar with his close-range header. Lazio had more chances in the first half.
After losing 6-0 to Lazio in their previous match in Madrid, Celtic increased their efforts in the second half in an attempt to catch up with the league leaders, but they were unable to find a way past Ivan Provedel, the Lazio goalkeeper.
For the second half, Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri started Pedro and Immobile, inserting the attackers after the hour.
The captain, who on Saturday against Salernitana became the first player to score 100 goals in Serie A away from home, demonstrated his skill with two superb finishes to aid the Italians in winning their third game out of five group matches.