Martin O'Neill Hails 'World-Class' Camilo Duran As Celtic Cruise Past LASK In Champions League Play-Off

Martin O'Neill praised Camilo Duran's “world-class” performance after the Colombian attacker scored twice in Celtic's commanding 3–0 victory over LASK in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. Benjamin Nygren also found the net as Celtic took a significant advantage into the return leg in Austria.

Celtic moved to within touching distance of the Champions League league phase after producing an impressive 3–0 victory over LASK in the first leg of their play-off at Celtic Park.

New signing Camilo Duran was the standout performer, scoring twice in an outstanding display that prompted manager Martin O'Neill to describe his performance as “world-class”. Benjamin Nygren had earlier put the Scottish champions ahead with a superb finish.

Nygren Opens The Scoring

Celtic took control in the 26th minute when Benjamin Nygren produced a spectacular finish.

The Swedish midfielder reacted quickly after Kieran Tierney's cross was partially cleared, adjusting his body before firing a superb volley into the top corner from around 20 yards.

The goal gave Celtic the platform they needed in a match where LASK initially threatened to make life difficult for the hosts.

Duran Produces A Stunning Double

Duran then took centre stage.

Just 12 minutes after Nygren's opener, the Colombian produced another outstanding volley from a similar position to double Celtic's advantage.

His second goal arrived midway through the second half after a slick attacking move involving Nygren and Kasper Høgh, allowing Duran to finish calmly from inside the area.

The brace took Duran's Celtic tally to three goals in two matches, underlining the immediate impact of the summer signing.

O'Neill Praises Duran's All-Round Display

While the goals naturally attracted the headlines, O'Neill was particularly impressed by Duran's contribution beyond his finishing.

The Celtic manager highlighted his attacking play, running and willingness to track back and help his teammates defensively.

O'Neill said he was “not saying he was a world-class player”, but described Duran's performance as “world-class” after the Colombian repeatedly caused problems for LASK.

LASK Pose A Threat Despite Defeat

The 3–0 scoreline does not tell the entire story of the contest.

LASK had opportunities and saw two goals ruled out for offside. The Austrian side also managed to create several chances, meaning Celtic cannot afford to assume that the tie is already over.

O'Neill therefore warned that there remains work to do before Celtic can celebrate reaching the Champions League proper.

Celtic Take Major Advantage

The three-goal cushion nevertheless gives Celtic an excellent platform heading into the second leg in Linz.

The Scottish champions were clinical when their opportunities arrived, while goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo and the defence helped ensure that LASK could not turn their chances into goals.

Celtic now need to protect their advantage in Austria to secure their place in the Champions League league phase.

Duran Already Making An Impact

Duran only joined Celtic this summer from Qarabağ in a deal reported at around £6 million.

O'Neill had previously explained that Celtic had monitored the Colombian for months before completing the transfer, and the 24-year-old has now made an immediate impression in Glasgow.

His Champions League experience with Qarabağ was one of the factors that made him an attractive addition, and his latest performance suggests Celtic could have secured an important attacking asset.

Champions League Dream Within Reach

Celtic's recent history in Champions League qualifying has included painful disappointments, making this commanding first-leg result particularly valuable.

The club fell at the same stage last season, but this time O'Neill's team have given themselves a substantial advantage before travelling to Austria.

Reaching the Champions League league phase would also bring a major financial boost, making the second leg hugely significant for both the club's sporting and commercial ambitions.

O'Neill Demands Focus

Despite the celebrations at Celtic Park, O'Neill knows the job is not finished.

The manager has urged his players to remain focused because LASK remain capable of causing problems in the return fixture.

Captain Callum McGregor echoed that message, stressing that Celtic are only halfway through the tie and must complete the job in Austria.

Ultimately, Celtic's 3–0 victory over LASK represents a major step towards Champions League qualification, with Camilo Duran producing the decisive individual display. His brace, combined with Nygren's superb opener, gave Martin O'Neill's side a commanding advantage, while the manager's description of Duran's performance as “world-class” underlined just how impressive the Colombian was on the night. The return leg, however, still demands concentration before Celtic can secure their place among Europe's elite.