Celtic establish strong advantage
Celtic has taken a significant step towards securing a place in the Champions League group stage, achieving a 3-0 victory over LASK in the first leg of their play-off tie. The match, held in Glasgow, saw new signings make a notable impact, with goals from Camilo Durán and Benjamin Nygren.
Durán, a summer signing, scored twice, with his goals coming on either side of half-time. Nygren opened the scoring for Martin O’Neill’s side with a spectacular finish. This result provides Celtic with a comfortable cushion ahead of the second leg.
Despite the scoreline, LASK, the reigning Austrian champions, created several opportunities throughout the match. Their attacking duo, Moses Usor and Samuel Adeniran, posed threats, and the visitors had two first-half goals disallowed for offside. However, Celtic’s defence held firm, maintaining a clean sheet.
Key performances and tactical decisions
Manager Martin O’Neill opted to start several new acquisitions, a decision that proved fruitful. Mika Baur, Kasper Høgh, and Durán were all in the starting lineup. Another recent arrival, Haissem Hassan, was introduced from the bench later in the game as he continues to build match fitness.
Colby Donovan, playing at right-back, also delivered an impressive performance. His display was observed by Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, who was in attendance. Nygren, who scored the opening goal, has been a central figure for Celtic this season, contributing with four goals and four assists in recent games.
Nygren’s goal came in the 26th minute when he volleyed the ball into the top corner from approximately 20 yards after a clearance from a cross. Durán followed with a similar goal 12 minutes later, striking a volley into the same top corner. His second goal of the night came midway through the second half, following an exchange of passes with Nygren and a flick from Høgh.
O’Neill praised Durán’s performance, describing it as “exceptional.” He highlighted the Colombian’s overall play, including his defensive contributions, and suggested that Durán has already justified his transfer fee. O’Neill also noted the presence that Høgh brings to the team’s attack.
Looking ahead to the second leg
The victory provides a significant boost for Celtic, especially after their exit at this stage of the competition in the previous season. Last year, the team failed to advance after drawing against Kairat Almaty, a situation attributed in part to the absence of a proven striker. The arrivals of Durán and Høgh appear to have addressed this issue.
The inclusion of Mika Baur in the starting XI for his Celtic Park debut was influenced by the recent departure of Arne Engels to West Ham. Celtic supporters had expressed some anxiety following previous unsuccessful Champions League qualifying campaigns, which included losses to AEK Athens, Cluj, Ferencvaros, and Midtjylland in recent seasons.
Despite early concerns, including an offside goal by Usor within 30 seconds and a missed chance by Adeniran, Celtic’s clinical finishing proved decisive. Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo also made several key saves throughout the match, contributing to the clean sheet. The two teams are scheduled to meet again for the second leg next Tuesday in Linz.
Source: scotsman.com