published: thursday 17 december 2009, 21.45cet sk rapid wien 3-3 celtic fc
after the hosts struck three times in the opening 19 minutes, paul mcgowan topped off a determined celtic fightback in added time.
an added-time goal from paul mcgowan gave celtic fc a dramatic 3-3 draw at sk rapid wien after the hosts had surged into an early three-goal lead in the battle of the eliminated sides in group c.
fightback nikica jelavić had started proceedings with barely 30 seconds gone and quickly doubled rapid's lead. hamdi salihi made it three in the 19th minute, but marc-antoine fortuné soon struck for celtic and grabbed another midway through the second half. mcgowan then equalised with seconds remaining to help the scottish side finish third in their uefa europa league section, leaving rapid propping up the pool.
rapid start the home faithful had barely taken their seats when stephen mcmanus was forced into a mistake and jelavić rifled a low shot in off the post from just outside the celtic penalty area. ın the eighth minute it was two as, following some slick passing, salihi crossed for jelavić to claim his fourth goal of the group stage.
fortuné changes the croatian striker soon returned the favour, twisting glenn loovens inside out before squaring for salihi, who tapped in. however, just as it seemed celtic had completely lost their bearings in the falling vienna snow, mark wilson's hanging cross was headed down by mcgowan and marc-antoine fortuné swivelled to fire in. almost straight away, niall mcginn shot straight at raimund hedl and then forced a fine flying save from the home goalkeeper.
celtic comeback the visitors were the dominant force after the break and, after going close twice, got another back in the 67th minute. a quick free-kick found mcginn down the right and his dangerous low cross was turned in by fortuné. the scottish side poured forward in search of a sensational equaliser, and mcgowan provided it as he drove in to secure his side a point.
