Celtic take giant step towards Champions League

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Celtic 3 - 0 LASK

Celtic took a giant step towards the league phase of the Champions League as two stunning Camilo Duran strikes gave a commanding first-leg play-off lead.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Celtic Park

Duran hit fabulous efforts either side of half-time after a wonderful finish from Benjamin Nygren set the Scottish champions on their way.

A closer analysis of what happened

Pre match atmosphere

The Champions League is all about big players producing big moments, and the goals from Nygren and Duran were of the very highest order.

Duran already looks like an inspired signing. His pace, skill, finishing and willingness to work make him a player who appears perfectly at home on the biggest stage.

The Colombian scored five goals in the Champions League last season for Qarabag and, if Celtic can finish the job against LASK, he looks capable of becoming a key weapon.

Watch | Reaction from Celtic's star player on the night. Video from the club's YouTube channel.

Celtic looked vulnerable in transition and rode their luck at times, with LASK forwards Usor and Adeniran, supported by Sascha Horvath and Robert Ljubicic making runs from midfield, causing problems.

But Celtic's attacking play was scintillating. Some of the interplay between McGregor, Mika Baur and Nygren was sublime, while Hogh provided a focal point with the electric Duran constantly buzzing around him.

While LASK were able to expose gaps in the Celtic defence on the counter-attack, Colby Donovan impressed with an assured display. He contributed to the defensive effort while also bringing energy and intelligent passing to Celtic's attacking moves.

The Austrian champions showed enough to suggest this tie is not quite over, but Celtic have put themselves in an excellent position to take their place among Europe's heavyweights once again.

Location: Janefield St, Glasgow G40 3RE, UK

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