Celtic 3-0 LASK: Camilo Duran double puts Hoops on the brink of Champions League return

Celtic took a major step towards returning to the Champions League league phase after a commanding 3-0 victory over LASK in the first leg of their play-off at Celtic Park on Wednesday night. Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring before summer signing Camilo Duran produced two outstanding finishes to give Martin O'Neill's side a substantial advantage ahead of the return leg in Austria.

LASK threaten early but Celtic survive

The Scottish champions were given an early warning when Moses Usor found the net just seconds after kick-off, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. LASK continued to threaten, with Samuel Adeniran then breaking through before dragging his effort wide. Celtic gradually settled and began to impose themselves, although O'Neill later admitted his side had to ride their luck during the opening stages.

Celtic eventually took control in the 27th minute. Kieran Tierney's delivery found Nygren, who met the ball first time and curled a superb effort into the top corner. The goal eased the pressure on the hosts, but LASK continued to pose a threat and thought they had equalised when Adeniran headed home. Once again, however, the offside flag denied the Austrian side.

Duran delivers two spectacular moments

Celtic doubled their advantage in the 38th minute through Duran. After LASK failed to properly clear Tierney's cross, the Colombian striker collected the ball outside the box and smashed an emphatic finish into the net. It was his first competitive goal at Celtic Park and the beginning of a memorable night for the summer arrival.

Duran was not finished. In the 67th minute, Celtic launched a sweeping counter-attack, with the forward combining with Nygren before calmly guiding the ball into the far corner for his second of the evening. His brace capped an impressive individual performance and gave Celtic a three-goal cushion. Duran had already shown his scoring ability during pre-season, including against AC Milan, when he scored in Celtic's 2-2 friendly draw.

Celtic still have work to do

Despite the scoreline, LASK created enough opportunities to remind Celtic that the tie is not over. Usor was denied by goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo from close range, while another effort from Adeniran required a save. Callum McGregor also struck the post for Celtic as the hosts looked for a fourth goal.

O'Neill was therefore reluctant to celebrate prematurely. The Celtic manager praised his team's attacking football and Duran's goals but insisted the tie remains “absolutely in the balance”. Captain McGregor echoed that assessment, stressing that Celtic are only halfway towards their objective.

The result nevertheless puts Celtic in an excellent position ahead of the second leg in Linz next Tuesday. Twelve months after their surprise Champions League qualifying exit to Kairat Almaty, the Scottish champions now have a three-goal advantage and a realistic opportunity to return to Europe's elite competition. Their summer recruitment is already beginning to look significant, with Duran and fellow new arrivals making an immediate impact. Celtic had invested heavily in their squad during the window, including the reported £6.8m deal for midfielder Mika Baur.