Celtic made a decisive stride toward reclaiming a spot in the Champions League thanks to a dazzling display from newcomers Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran. After a disappointing exit in the play‑off round a year earlier, the Scottish giants started the tie under a cloud when Moses Usor struck the ball straight at the Celtic goal within seconds of the whistle.
Fortunately for the Hoops, the goal was ruled out for off‑side, averting an early setback. The match continued to teeter on a knife‑edge until Nygren broke the deadlock.
Receiving a precise pass from Kieran Tierney, the Swedish forward curled a first‑time effort into the top corner, giving Celtic a much‑needed lead and shifting the momentum in their favour. Shortly after, Samuel Adeniran found himself in an off‑side position, nullifying what could have been another early strike for the visitors.
The real fireworks began when Duran, the Colombian striker signed in the summer, met Tierney’s cross with a thunderous shot that flew into the net for his inaugural goal at Parkhead. The strike was a textbook finish, but the Colombian was not finished. After a quick one‑two with fellow summer acquisition Kasper Høgh, Duran side‑footed a second goal into the far corner, completing a brace that left the LASK defence scrambling.
Both Nygren and Duran arrived at Celtic after prolific seasons abroad, combining for ten Champions League goals between them last term. Their immediate impact in green and white underlines the club’s strategic summer spending and hints at a renewed ambition to compete at Europe’s highest level. The 3‑0 advantage, however, is only the first half of a two‑legged affair.
Celtic travel to Linz for the return match on Tuesday, where Martin O’Neill’s side will look to cement their place in the group stage. The Austrian champions have shown they can threaten, and the tie remains wide open despite the comfortable cushion.
Key moments from the first leg included: - A premature celebration for LASK when Usor’s early shot was disallowed for off‑side. - Adeniran’s sprint past Carter‑Vickers, only to see his effort drift wide. - Duran’s initial effort saved by LASK keeper Jungwirth. - Nygren’s opening goal, a beautifully curled strike from Tierney’s delivery.
- A second disallowed LASK goal when Adeniran’s header was ruled off‑side. - Duran’s second goal, a powerful finish from outside the box after LASK cleared a cross. - A spectacular save by Jungwirth from Mika Baur’s long‑range volley.
- A near‑miss from McGregor that clipped the post after a deflection off Høgh. - A point‑blank denial for Usor by LASK’s Sinisalo.
- Duran’s third strike, the culmination of a swift counter‑attack that saw him combine with Nygren before slotting home. - A final save from Sinisalo on a tight‑angle shot by Adeniran, preserving Celtic’s clean sheet.
Sky Sports’ Adam Binnie, reporting from Celtic Park, noted the stark contrast between this performance and the shock elimination by Kazakh side Kairat Almaty a year ago. "What a difference a year makes," he remarked, highlighting the transformation in both squad quality and tactical execution. Celtic’s board, often criticised by supporters, deserves credit for the summer overhaul. Camilo Duran stole the headlines with his two superb goals, while fellow newcomer Mika Baur earned a strong case for Man of the Match on his home debut.
Hasseim Hassan impressed off the bench, and Kasper Høgh, despite not scoring, displayed intelligent link‑up play that helped create the opening goal. Financially, Celtic have invested over £30 million in these signings while remaining in the black, a testament to prudent management. With the transfer window closing on September 3, further reinforcements are expected, and the club stands to receive an estimated £40 million should they progress to the Champions League group stage.
This financial windfall could further reshape the squad, making the team look dramatically different from the side that suffered defeat in Kazakhstan last August. Interestingly, the usual chants demanding the removal of board members were absent on Wednesday evening, suggesting a growing patience among the fanbase as the team shows tangible progress. Manager Martin O’Neill reflected on the match, saying, "There were periods where we played some really fantastic football.
It felt a bit like a basketball game, especially in the first half. We had a touch of luck early on – a great shot in the first minute that was marginally off‑side, and another chance shortly after. Once we settled, Nygren’s goal eased the pressure, and Duran’s two finishes were brilliant. The game is still very much in balance, though." Captain Callum McGregor, speaking to TNT Sports, echoed the optimism: "We’re aiming to get the club back into the Champions League.
We’re halfway there after a fantastic performance, but we need to finish the job next week. Duran’s two unbelievable finishes show his quality – we saw that in pre‑season. He’s a constant threat and always tracks back. The squad is strong, confidence is growing, and we’re taking the right steps.
It’s about building atmosphere and happiness, and we have a tough game ahead." Celtic now hold a three‑goal lead heading into the second leg in Austria. If they can replicate or improve upon this display, a return to Europe’s premier competition looks increasingly likely. Fans can stay engaged through the club’s official channels, and the excitement continues to build as the team pursues its Champions League dream.