MADRID, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- A 67th minute goal from Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna gave his side a tight but well deserved victory over Scottish Champions Celtic in their Champions League group match on Tuesday night.

    The Brazilian, who has a Spanish passport and plays for the Spanish national team, hit a perfect free kick to end the resistance of a Celtic side who were threatening to take a point from Villarreal's el Madrigal stadium.

    The first half was a relatively even affair, especially as Celtic left former FC Barcelona youngster Marc Crosas on the bench to allow them to toughen up their defense.

    The tactic worked as Villarreal were limited to two chances for Rossi, one of which fell kindly for Joseba Llorente, who was unable to find the Celtic net from close range.

    Celtic's Greek striker Samaras found himself clean through on goal following a defensive error. But Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez responded with the kind of save his fans have become accustomed to, before the half time whistle.

    After the break, Samaras and Celtic's Japanese midfielder Nakamura were at the heart of their side's attacking threat. But they were unable to force a save out of Lopez in the second half.

    However, their small pitch was not helping Villarreal break down a well-organized Celtic back line and it needed Senna's moment of magic to give them the only goal of the game.

    Visiting striker Scott McDonald almost sneaked a point for the visitors with 15 minutes left. But Villarreal were just a step above Celtic in technical ability and that was enough to give them a vital win as they look to reach the knockout stage of the competition.