Celtic hopes of European success floundered at the hands of FC Zurich in rainswept Switzerland after boss Jozef Venglos had to make changes to his team.

Depleted by injuries and suspensions, a makeshift Celtic managed to keep the score goalless until the interval, only to lose out in a dramatic exchange of second half goals to which they were only able to contribute two to the home side's four.

Led by captain Paul Lambert, Celtic twice came within a goal of winning the tie outright at both 2-1 and 3-2 on the night but were finally forced to concede defeat when Zurich increased their aggregate lead to 5-3.

In treacherous conditions, Celtic commitment could not be thwarted but their enforced lack of quality in defence ultimately proved their undoing in a remarkable second half spell of six goals in half an hour.

Zurich moved ahead after 51 minutes when a Cesar Santanna cross caused havoc in the Celtic six yard box, the ball spinning kindly for Giorgio Del Signore to net from close range.

The Swiss doubled their lead after 56 minutes through an individual effort by Frederic Chassot who, after creating time and space for himself, chipped over the advancing Jonathan Gould to leave the home team in a convincing position.

However, they relaxed too soon and just a minute later Henrik Larsson burst down the right before picking out Phil O'Donnell whose low left foot drive skidded beyond the reach of Zurich keeper Marco Pascolo.

The Swiss are renowned for their timing, but Celtic proved less intelligent as they raced forward in search of an immediate second leaving a huge gap at the back. It was ably filled by South African striker Shaun Bartlett, who was allowed a clear run at goal before finishing coolly.

Yet even at 3-1 Celtic resolve was evident and they regrouped and pushed once more, their reward a Larsson half volley after 75 minutes which left Pascolo well beaten through its sheer power.

Now Celtic had little option but to push for the ball that might have completed a famous triumph but luck proved against them just nine minutes from time.

A deflected effort by Bartlett defeated substitute keeper Stewart Kerr to make it 4-2 on the night and finally sounded the end for the visitors.

Teams

FC Zurich: Pascolo, Hodel, Wiederkeher, Santanna, Bartlett, Lima, Signore, Chassot, Fischer, Di Jorio, Taroni. Subs: Tronbini, Huber, Iodice, Nixon, Castillo, Opango.