Celtic 3-0 LASK – Nygren scores, two Duran Duran classics then Reo returns | OneFootball

It’s advantage Celtic after a 3-0 home victory over Austrian Champions LASK as Celtic Park this evening. The Hoops now have a free weekend to prepare for the return leg in Linz on Tuesday night…

Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic interacts with Sebastian Tounekti during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A delighted Martin O’Neill spoke to TNT Sports after Celtic’s 3-0 win over Austrian Champions LASK in the first leg of the Champions League playoff at Celtic Park this evening where a double a brilliant opener from Benjamin Nygren was followed by a superb double by the sensational Camilo Duran.

Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

In what was a very open and entertaining game o football, Celtic edged it comprehensively in the end thanks to some world class finishing from both goalscorer, with Nygren also getting as assist on one of Duran’s goals.

“I thought it was a really tough evening for us,” the Celtic manager said to the broadcaster. “They are a really good side. We’ve got our work cut out still, but we’ve given ourselves a chance.

“They scored a goal in the first minute, offside, and it took us 10-15 minutes to get into our stride.”

On Celtic’s new hero Camilo Duran the veteran Celtic boss was full of praise. “He’s a brilliant player. We spotted him way back some time ago and tried to get him earlier than we did.

Camilo Duran of Celtic scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I’m not saying he was a world-class player, but that was a world-class performance, taking people on and getting back,” Martin O’Neill assessed.

“It was a great result for us tonight, but there is a long way to go.

“Last season, for most of it, you were wondering where a goal might come from. Here, we are able to conjure goals. Keeping a clean sheet was very important for us as well.”

While the Austrian Champions will feel hard done by they can have no complaints about leaving Celtic Park on the back of a heavy first leg defeat that leaves the Champions of an alpine nation with a mountain to climb.

A word on Colby Donovan who had a terrific game and justified Martin O’Neill’s faith in his with that performance, his best yet in a Celtic jersey. And another for Reo Hatate, who was outstanding and should appreciate what he’s go a Celtic before he loses it. You heard tonight Reo, and also at Tannadice at the weekend, just how highly the Celtic support rates you.

Here’s more from Martin O’Neill speaking to the club’s in-house media after the 3-0 win over LASK, who played well but were outclassed in the end…

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