The blue-white-sky blues found themselves on the backfoot for much of the match and were relieved to go into the break goalless after the home team failed to take a number of chances.

The breakthrough for Celtic came in the 78th minute when McGregor, who had been a thorn in Zenit's side all night, thundered home a cross from the left after losing his marker at the far post.

Boih sides saw a number of bookings in the closing stages as they each pushed forward looking for a goal. Nothing was forthcoming and the game ended 1-0 to the hoops.

The second leg is at Stadium St. Petersburg on Thursday 22 February, kick-off 9pm.