A year ago, Celtic were staring at another summer of “what if?” after a penalty shootout exit in the qualifiers. Tonight, at a bouncing Celtic Park, the mood was wholly different after a ruthless 3-0 first-leg win over LASK, thanks to two Camilo Durán stunners and an equally impressive Benjamin Nygren opener, giving Celtic a commanding lead going into the second leg in Austria next week.
Twelve months on from that gut-wrenching qualifying defeat, tonight’s performance felt like a statement of intent. Where uncertainty once lingered, there was now control; where chances once evaporated, they were taken with cold precision. Even when you factor in the early scares that Celtic suffered from LASK, The 3-0 scoreline flattered no one. It reflects a Celtic side that moved the ball with purpose, pressed with intelligence, and punished LASK when it mattered.
Martin O’Neill’s summer recruitment has added steel and a cutting edge to our attacking threat - something we were missing last year, and all four of the new signings stood out. Kasper Høgh may not have scored, but he was a constant nuisance. His movement dragged LASK’s back line out of shape, his link up play with Nygren and Durán helped provide the chances that the duo finished superbly, and his willingness to run beyond the last defender kept the Austrians guessing all night.
Mika Baur was effortless in midfield alongside Callum McGregor. He broke up play, recycled possession quickly, and gave an aura of calmness that Celtic needed at times in the middle third without ever looking hurried.
Camilo Durán is already looking like the best Colombian to play for a Scottish side in this history of our game. His first was a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box; his second, a composed finish after slick interplay with Nygren and Høgh. Four shots on target, two goals, and a presence that unsettled LASK from the first whistle.
Haissem Hassan, introduced for Durán late on, was an immediate threat. With more game time under his belt, he will terrorise defences across Scotland and in Europe; even in that short spell he showed pace, directness and an eye for the final ball.
While Duran will take all the plaudits, a special mention has to be given out to Colby Donovan who put in a shift and a half tonight. Comfortable in one-v-one situations, brave in the air and calm when LASK tried to play through him, he embodied the confidence of a veteran defender that rarely looked troubled.
There is still a second leg in Austria, and LASK will give Celtic a dight. But with a three-goal cushion and the knowledge that they can score on the road, Celtic go to Linz with the advantage. Martin O’Neill will see his side over the line and into the promised land of Europe’s elite club competition.
A year ago, penalties and pain. Tonight, control and command. If this is the new normal for Celtic, keep it coming.