Camilo Duran delivered yet another spectacular goal as Celtic extended their immaculate start to the Scottish Premiership with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Aberdeen. The Colombian forward, who has quickly become a fan favourite since his summer arrival from Qarabag, opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a thunderous long‑range effort that left the opposition goalkeeper, Marius Muller, with no chance. His strike, taken from roughly 20 yards out, was struck with minimal backlift but packed enough power to beat the bar and ignite the home crowd. The early goal set the tone for the match, and Celtic did not look back.
Just five minutes later, Benjamin Nygren, who had been linked with a move to several European clubs, found the back of the net in a chaotic sequence. After a mis‑controlled clearance, the ball fell to Nygren, whose attempt, though off‑target, somehow managed to bobble past the stunned goalkeeper and into the net, giving the visitors a two‑goal cushion before the break.
Aberdeen, desperate to stay in the game, created a fleeting chance when Gavin Molloy rose to meet a corner and headed the ball straight onto the crossbar from a yard’s distance. The near‑miss was a painful reminder of how close the Dons had come to narrowing the deficit. The frustration was palpable, and manager Stephen Robinson responded at halftime by making four tactical changes in an attempt to revive his side’s fortunes.
The second half saw Celtic maintain their dominance. Hyun‑jun Yang, the Korean winger who has been praised for his work rate and crossing ability, added his name to the scoresheet in the 46th minute. After a well‑timed run down the right flank, Yang delivered a precise low cross into the box, where Duran, displaying his usual predatory instincts, met it with a composed finish that left Muller stranded. The goal effectively sealed the match, as Aberdeen struggled to find any rhythm against a Celtic side that were comfortable and confident in possession.
Throughout the first half, Duran was a constant menace. He forced four separate saves from Muller, including a spectacular reflex save after a bouncing ball ricocheted off a Yang cross and caused chaos in the Aberdeen defence. His movement and ability to create space forced the Dons to commit more players forward, opening up further opportunities for his teammates.
Statistically, Duran’s contribution to Celtic this season has been remarkable. With six goals in five league appearances, he is rapidly establishing himself as one of the league’s most lethal forwards. His performances have sparked a debate about his best position; manager Martin O'Neill may find it challenging to shift Duran back to the wing once fellow centre‑forward Kasper Hogh returns from a thigh injury, given the Colombian’s knack for scoring from distance and his ability to link play. Celtic’s manager, Martin O'Neill, praised his side’s display after the final whistle.
"We played very well with some really good goals. Camilo’s a star player," O'Neill said.
"Camilo set the tone for us, and I think perhaps all season he’s done that. He’s a really classy player. He scored a great goal and, obviously, until you get that goal you just have to be on your guard as much as anything else. I thought the big moment of the game was them hitting the bar with the header from the corner kick.
It seemed pretty comfortable at the end and we played some really good stuff as well, so I’m delighted with that." Aberdeen’s boss, Stephen Robinson, was more candid about his team’s shortcomings. "We got beat by a ruthless side. We made mistakes and got punished for them," he admitted.
"We didn’t have the belief that we’ve shown in training, in the second half. We didn’t have that belief in the first half to play. If you don’t get ownership of the game, it’s difficult to get out.
So, at 2-0, we hit the crossbar, and the fine lines in football, they go up the other end, we make a mistake, effectively the game’s over." Robinson also highlighted the positives, noting that his players demonstrated the ability to pass under pressure and showed individual quality. "To an extent, I get a response and they show that they can pass the ball under pressure and they can play, and they are good players. That’s a positive I have to take from it.
Our season won’t be defined by getting beat by Celtic. Am I disappointed? Of course I am.
I know the team are better than what they’ve shown. But it’s up to me, it’s my fault that they haven’t got the belief to do what they did in the second half and be brave.
It’s too late at 3-0 down, and I take full responsibility." The match also featured several noteworthy moments that were highlighted in the broadcast. At the 14th minute, Duran’s long‑range strike was replayed as a stunning goal, followed by a missed close‑range effort at the 19th minute. Nygren’s mishit at the 34th minute somehow found the net, and the half‑time bar hit by Molloy was a dramatic visual cue of Aberdeen’s missed opportunity.
In the second half, a chance for Mheuka, who had just joined the Dons, was denied by Muller, underscoring Celtic’s defensive solidity. Beyond the on‑field action, the game was accompanied by promotional activities for the league’s digital platforms, encouraging fans to watch Scottish Premiership highlights on their phones and offering free access to match clips.
Additionally, a Super 6 lottery was advertised, promising a chance to win substantial cash prizes, with entries available at no cost. Overall, Celtic’s victory over Aberdeen not only reinforced their unbeaten run but also highlighted Camilo Duran’s rising stature in Scottish football. His ability to score from distance, combine with teammates, and influence the game’s tempo makes him a pivotal figure for Celtic’s title aspirations. Meanwhile, Aberdeen will need to regroup, address the belief gap identified by Robinson, and find ways to convert chances more effectively if they hope to climb the table as the season progresses.