Celtic took a significant step towards the Champions League group stage with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austrian side LASK in the first leg of their qualifier. Midfielder Camilo Duran was the standout performer, netting two spectacular goals, while Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring with a powerful strike.
The Scottish club demonstrated superior footballing quality, playing a more cohesive and intelligent game than their physically imposing opponents. Despite a strong start from LASK, who had several early chances and even a goal disallowed for offside, Celtic weathered the initial pressure and grew into the match.
Nygren opened the scoring midway through the first half, converting a swift passing move with a left-footed strike from the edge of the box. Duran doubled the lead seven minutes before halftime, volleying home cleanly from just inside the penalty area after a well-executed high press by Kieran Tierney. The Colombian's second goal, and Celtic's third, came in the 68th minute when he smashed a powerful shot into the top left corner, securing a comfortable advantage for the second leg.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, seeking a return to the Champions League group stage he last graced 22 seasons ago, saw his revamped squad deliver a performance that validated recent transfer investments. The club spent approximately £30 million on new players, including Duran, Kasper Hogh, Haissem Hassan, and Mika Baur, a departure from their traditionally more cautious transfer strategy. Duran, in particular, has impressed, with his two goals adding to his reputation after impactful performances in last year's tournament for Qarabag.
LASK, the Austrian double winners, showed physicality but lacked Celtic's tactical astuteness. Despite creating early opportunities, including a disallowed goal for Moses Usor and a missed chance by Samuel Adeniran, they struggled to contain Celtic's attacking fluidity in the second half. Usor had further chances to pull a goal back in the second half but was denied by the goalkeeper and skewed another effort over the bar.
With a comfortable three-goal cushion, Celtic now looks to protect their lead in the return leg in Austria next Tuesday. The performance at home has instilled confidence, providing a welcome boost for supporters and a strong foundation for their European campaign.