JO INGE BERGET returned to haunt Celtic with a double that severely dents their prospects of reaching the group stage of the Champions League. The Norwegian, who spent an unhappy loan spell at Parkhead last year, scored a spectacular away goal early in the second half then added a second in injury time to put Malmo in the driving seat ahead of the return in Sweden next Tuesday.

Early goals from Leigh Griffiths and Nir Bitton had put Ronny Deila’s side in a commanding position at half-time but Berget’s two goals, either side of a Griffiths header, meant it was the travelling fans who were happiest once the final whistle sounded to end a compelling contest.

One of Deila’s pre-match decisions had centred on whether to recall Nadir Ciftci, banned for domestic matches, or stick with Griffiths who had scored in the 4-2 win over Inverness Caley Thistle at the weekend. It was the Scot who got the nod and within three minutes he had justified his selection by putting Celtic into an early lead. It was great vision from Stefan Johansen to set him up with a defence-bisecting first-time pass into the penalty box and Griffiths steadied himself before slipping a low shot past the goalkeeper.

That was just the start Celtic, roared on by a boisterous full house, were after and it got even better after 10 minutes. Johansen again claimed an assist, the Norwegian plopping a corner right on to then head of Bitton who, from a position almost right under the crossbar, couldn’t miss.

Celtic Park could scarcely believe the start and it could have been even better two minutes later. Emilio Izaguirre, another who kept his place despite conjecture suggesting Charlie Mulgrew would start at left-back, sprinted through the middle before feeding Griffiths who in turn supplied Johansen. This time Johan Miland, however, proved up to the threat, the goalkeeper saving the shot with his legs as Malmo wobbled on the ropes like a punchdrunk boxer.

Celtic, though, for all their dominance were still guilty of occasional lapses in concentration, with Dedryck Boyata again giving the ball away too cheaply. Malmo almost made them pay on a rare foray forward, Craig Gordon showing great alertness to push away a shot from Vladimir Rodic.

An away goal was in the post, however, and it arrived after 52 minutes. Celtic lost possession and Malmo quickly worked it down the right. Scott Brown couldn’t get enough of a connection on his header to clear Magnus Eikrem’s cross and it felt kindly for Berget. His touch and volley into the far corner were sublime and out of nothing Malmo were back in the tie. Celtic were rattled and only a terrific Gordon save denied Nikola Djurdic from drawing the Swedes level just minutes later.

The home side came again, however, and soon their two-goal advantage was restored. This time it was Malmo who were sloppy defensively and, when Mikael Lustig’s cross wasn’t properly dealt with by Anton Tinnerholm, Griffiths was able to climb above him to loop a header over Milan. It was sheer determination on the part of the former Hibs man to ensure he got to the ball first and he duly got his reward.

Lustig was stretchered off late in the game after appearing to pull his hamstring and Celtic’s pain was compounded when Berget lashed a shot into the net following a corner.