You're reading: Celtic, Dynamo Kyiv close in on Champions League

LONDON — Celtic and Dynamo Kyiv are in commanding positions to reach the Champions League group stage after away wins in the first legs of their playoffs on Tuesday. 

Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras gave Celtic a 2-0 victory in Sweden at Helsingborgs as the Scottish champions look to join Europe’s elite in the group stage for the first time in four years.

In Germany, Kyiv came from behind to beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1, with Taras Mikhalik and Andriy Yarmolenko netting, and Luuk de Jong scoring an own goal.

Also Tuesday, Romanian champion Cluj upset Basel, beating the Swiss side that reached the last 16 last season 2-1.

Dmitri Kombarov’s strike gave Spartak Moscow a 2-1 victory over Fenerbahce, and Cesar Santin clinched a 1-0 victory for Copenhagen against Lille.