AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has expressed his relief at his side's narrow victory over Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday.

A deflected effort from Christian Zapata and Sulley Muntari's strike in the final 10 minutes of the match saw the Rossoneri begin their Champions League Group H campaign with a 2-0 home win.

"It was important to win and we struggled at the start of the second half, as we couldn't get it clear," he told Sky Sport Italia. "We were fortunate with the goal.

"It was a good victory for a group of players who were whittled down to the bone, but played with substance. What counted was getting the points. I am not angry at always getting the goals in the final stages, as if all games went like this I would be happy! The truth is towards the end the spaces open up more and we can create more chances.

"We do have to improve, as we gave the ball away too much and tried to force the passes through, but it was a good reaction from the side to earn victory. The lads have heart and desire, as they know a game is always open until the final whistle, as we saw against Torino. What we do need to improve is how we read the game, knowing when to take up the tempo or slow it down."

Milan are currently ninth in Serie A with four points from three matches.