Celtic will take a commanding 3-0 lead into Tuesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Austrian champions LASK after a special night for new signing Camilo Duran.
The 24-year-old Colombian forward scored two stunning goals, after Benjamin Nygren had thumped Celtic ahead with a fine volley from the edge of the box, in a brilliant overall performance from Martin O’Neill’s men.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, visitors LASK created plenty of chances and twice had the ball in the net in the first half only to be denied by tight offside calls, so could still be a threat in Austria next week.
But this was a near-perfect night for the Scottish Premiership winners, who have lost their last five Champions League play-off ties, as the 74-year-old O’Neill delivered another memorable night on his Celtic return.
"It will probably end up being the same sort of game next week,” he said. “For us, I think we’re capable of scoring and that will be key. I’m not playing it down: it was a great result for us tonight, but there is a long way to go.”
Read MoreCeltic hero hailed for ‘world-class performance’ in Champions League win
Celtic v LASK LIVE: Latest Champions League updates
- FULL TIME! Celtic beat LASK 3-0 to take control of Champions League play-off
- Celtic will go to Austrian champions on Tuesday looking to finish the task
- '67 GOAL! Duran adds his second with special team move (CEL 3-0 LASK)
- '38 GOAL! Duran scores brilliant volley in second brilliant Celtic goal (CEL 2-0 LASK)
- '26 GOAL! Nygren catches volley sweetly to thump Celtic into lead (CEL 1-0 LASK)
- '2 CHANCE! Samuel Adeniran should score but LASK striker drags wide (CEL 0-0 LASK)
- Celtic have lost last five Champions League play-off ties going back to 2017
Celtic score three brilliant goals, but which was best?
23:50 , Jamie BraidwoodLet us know in the comments below...
'26 GOAL! Nygren catches volley sweetly to thump Celtic into lead (CEL 1-0 LASK)
A special strike from Benjamin Nygren to get Celtic ahead against LASK 😮💨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2026
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'38 GOAL! Duran scores brilliant volley in second brilliant Celtic goal (CEL 2-0 LASK)
It's another stunner for Celtic 🤩
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2026
Camilo Duran doubles their lead with a powerful volley 🚀
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'67 GOAL! Duran adds his second with special team move (CEL 3-0 LASK)
Celtic go from goalkeeper to goal as Camilo Duran gets his brace with ANOTHER beautiful finish 😍
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2026
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Martin O'Neill warns Celtic: 'There's a long way still to go'
23:22 , Jamie BraidwoodMartin O'Neill, speaking to TNT Sports after Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK and ahead of next week’s trip to Austria.
"I thought it was a really tough evening for us. Really tough evening. We’ve won 3-0 and they are a really good side. They’re a very fine, talented team. So we've got our work cut out still, but we've given ourselves a chance, let me put it that way.
"They scored a goal in the first minute, chalked off for offside. They started so brightly it was untrue and it took us 10-15 minutes to get into our stride. Even then it was back and forward, back and forward. At the end of it all, if we’ve scored three goals, that helps.
"It will probably end up being the same sort of game next week. For us, I think we’re capable of scoring and that will be key. I’m not playing it down: it was a great result for us tonight, but there is a long way to go.
"Last season, for most of the season, you were wondering where a goal might come from. Here, we are able to conjure goals, we can do that. Keeping a clean sheet was very important for us as well."
Martin O'Neill hails 'world-class' performance from Camilo Duran
22:52 , Jamie BraidwoodMartin O'Neill, speaking to TNT Sports after Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK and about the performance of man-of-the-match Camilo Duran.
“He’s a brilliant player. We spotted him way back some time ago and tried to get him earlier than we did.
"I'm not saying he was a world-class player, but that was a world-class performance, taking people on and getting back.”
Callum McGregor on Celtic's win: 'It's only halfway'
22:32 , Jamie BraidwoodCeltic captain Callum McGregor, speaking to TNT Sports: "We are trying to get the club in the Champions League. Only halfway there but fantastic performance. We have to get finish it off next week. It's our job to bring the atmosphere and bring the happiness. It was important we try to strengthen. It's small steps and we have a really tough game next week."
On Camilo Duran: “Two unbelievable finishes. We have seen it in pre-season. He is a real threat and the thing I love about him is he is always chasing back. The group is good and doing well. We are always trying to work and get better. The confidence grows; it's only halfway.”
Champions League play-off second leg coming up on Tuesday
22:12 , Jamie BraidwoodCeltic don’t have a match this weekend with the Premiership having a weekend off to help Scottish clubs progress in Europe.
LASK don’t play, either, so it’s full focus on Tuesday as LASK host Celtic looking to overturn their 3-0 defeat tonight.
Camilo Duran: Celtic's new hero?
21:55 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a night for this man. His first two goals at Celtic Park were of the highest quality and have really announced this 24-year-old Colombian forward to the Celtic fans.
Celtic in a wonderful position
21:53 , Jamie BraidwoodCould Celtic’s heartbreak in the Champions League play-offs be coming to an end? They have lost their last five ties in qualifying but even a 2-0 defeat in Linz next week would see them through to the league phase for the third time in four years.
They’re in a great position.
FULL TIME! Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:51 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother special night for Celtic under Martin O’Neill! A 3-0 win in Glasgow puts the Scottish champions in a brilliant position to reach the Champions League league phase.
Roll on Tuesday.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:50 , Jamie Braidwood90+1 mins: Andrade arrives at the back-post but can’t control his half-volley. It flies over the bar. A strange night for the visitors as they’ve carried threat. Celtic have just been really clinical. LASK’s hopes are not over yet.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:47 , Jamie Braidwood89 mins: Celtic are almost there. Carter-Vickers has to race back and help Ralston after Lang looked to lead the LASK counter.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:46 , Jamie Braidwood88 mins: Celtic’s changes are also bringing threat and Tounekti looks bright. He cuts in and sees a deflected shot fly into the side-netting.
A fourth would take the roof off.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:42 , Jamie Braidwood84 mins: That would have capped it off. Hatate sets up Scales but the Irishman drags his shot wide, via a deflection, from the edge of the box. Celtic are still threatening for a fourth.
From the corner, McGregor’s strike tests the goalkeeper.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:41 , Jamie Braidwood82 mins: Good work from Tounekti to hold the ball up and draw a booking following a cynical foul.
Duran is coming off to a standing ovation. What a performance from the 24-year-old Colombian.
Celtic have something special here. Haissem Hassan is on and Tony Ralston replaces the impressive Donovan.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:38 , Jamie Braidwood79 mins: Substitute Lang is appealing for a penalty but the LASK forward’s shot came from short range. It is a corner, though. Trusty clears but McGregor is required to make an important interception close to close. That was vital from the captain.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:35 , Jamie Braidwood76 mins: Another strong save from goalkeeper Sinisalo, who gets his body in the way to block the latest effort from Adeniran. Two more changes for Celtic. Tierney and Yang are off for Tounekti and Scales.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:30 , Jamie Braidwood72 mins: Oh Celtic have a new favourite in Camilo Duran. The forward just sprinted 50 yards to win the ball back on his own byline. Brilliant effort and the Celtic fans loved it.
Celtic 3-0 LASK
21:28 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins: Celtic Park is bouncing with ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’.
Rod Stewart is joining in, too.
LASK can’t believe it. They look stunned.
GOAL! Celtic 3-0 LASK (DURAN 67')
21:25 , Jamie BraidwoodSTUNNING FROM CELTIC! WHAT A GOAL! A BRILLIANT TEAM MOVE!
That is a lovely, lovely goal from Celtic. It started from defence as Celtic played the ball out from the back and then flew forward. Duran received the ball on the wing and cut inside before playing to Nygren. He then received the one-two and placed a stunning shot into the top corner of the net with his left foot.
Special, just special.
Celtic go from goalkeeper to goal as Camilo Duran gets his brace with ANOTHER beautiful finish 😍
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2026
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Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:24 , Jamie Braidwood66 mins: Duran has one thing on his mind when he gets the ball: shoot. The Colombian whistles one wide after good hold up play from Hogh in the box. Celtic have done some good business with those two.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:23 , Jamie Braidwood64 mins: Baur’s first start for Celtic was a bright one. The midfielder is replaced by Hatate and the German hobbles off after a slight tweak to his ankle, which came after O’Neill had decided to make the switch.
SAVE! Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:20 , Jamie Braidwood62 mins: How have LASK not scored! Usor is allowed to bring a long ball down and cut inside of Trusty in the box. He just has Sinisalo to beat but the goalkeeper makes the save down low to his right. A big stop but Usor should have scored.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:17 , Jamie Braidwood59 mins: CHANCE! Warning for Celtic. Horvath is allowed to carry the ball up to Celtic’s box but Usor’s shot flies over the bar. LASK remain dangerous...
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:16 , Jamie Braidwood56 mins: Fine run from Donovan and the right back hangs a cross towards Yang at the back post, but it just drops out of reach. Duran then cuts inside but his cross beats everyone. It’s been a relentless spell from Celtic.
OFF THE POST! Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:15 , Jamie Braidwood55 mins: Lovely move from Celtic and McGregor comes so close! The captain’s deflected strike from outside the box hits the inside of the upright. It came after Nygren set up Tierney for the cross. Good pressure from Celtic.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:11 , Jamie Braidwood52 mins: It’s good from Celtic across the pitch. First Hogh wins a free-kick by backing into his defender with his back to goal. Then McGregor bursts forward looking to Celtic’s attack.
There’s a half-chance for LASK but the wing-back is caught five yards offside.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:09 , Jamie Braidwood50 mins: Celtic players are trying their luck from anywhere tonight. It’s Baur’s turn to try on the volley from range but it’s straight at the goalkeeper.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:07 , Jamie Braidwood49 mins: Celtic take a corner shot and Tierney lines up a long shot. Danek flies out to make the sliding block.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:06 , Jamie Braidwood48 mins: I suppose Celtic are in quite a funny position now. How do they approach this second with a two-goal lead ahead of next week’s second leg in Austria? It’s been a decent start from the hosts though.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
21:03 , Jamie BraidwoodThe players are back on the pitch and Celtic will get us underway. Despite the excellent scoreline, I’m sure Martin O’Neill was demanding improvements at the break.
HALF TIME! Celtic 2-0 LASK
20:54 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd then this was pretty emphatic too from new signing Duran.
It's another stunner for Celtic 🤩
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2026
Camilo Duran doubles their lead with a powerful volley 🚀
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HALF TIME! Celtic 2-0 LASK
20:50 , Jamie BraidwoodSo, two special strikes from Celtic. This was the first from Nygren.
A special strike from Benjamin Nygren to get Celtic ahead against LASK 😮💨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2026
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HALF TIME! Celtic 2-0 LASK
20:47 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s not done yet but what a start to this Champions League play-off for Celtic. Two special strikes from Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran have Martin O’Neill’s side in a wonderful position. LASK will be bitterly disappointed as it’s been a fairly even game. This one certainly is not over.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
20:46 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: Celtic almost break forward on the stroke of half-time. Donovan plays a lovely pass into Nygren and Yang makes a bursting run, but the Swede can’t find him.
One minute added on and Donovan does well again to win a goal kick by the corner flag.
Celtic 2-0 LASK
20:44 , Jamie Braidwood42 mins: Despite a shaky start, everything has gone Celtic’s way. LASK have been dangerous and had the ball in the net twice but it’s been a Celtic performance that’s had plenty of energy and quality too.
GOAL! Celtic 2-0 LASK (DURAN 38')
20:38 , Jamie BraidwoodWOOOOOW IT’S ANOTHER CRACKER AND CELTIC ARE TWO UP! WHAT A GOAL FROM DURAN!
It’s a dream first goal at Celtic Park for the Colombian forward! The headed LASK clearance only fell as far as the edge of the box, to the same position where Nygren thumped Celtic ahead. Duran’s strike is just as clean. On the volley, he whacks the left-footed shot into the top corner.
Celtic Park erupts, again. Some start Duran has made.
NO GOAL! Celtic 1-0 LASK
20:35 , Jamie Braidwood34 mins: LASK are once again denied by the offside flag! Yep. The striker Samuel Adeniran went half a yard too early and was offside when he headed in the cross from the left. Another warning for Celtic, not that they needed one.
Celtic 1-0 LASK
20:34 , Jamie Braidwood33 mins: The jeers are loud as LASK look to hit back and fashion a chance following the long throw into the box. The Austrian side are a tricky outfit and Celtic will need to stay switched on.
Celtic 1-0 LASK
20:31 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: Brilliant reading of the game from Donovan as LASK came forward and the low ball was pulled back. The right back stepped in. LASK remain dangerous on the counter-attack and can create moments from nowhere.
Celtic 1-0 LASK
20:30 , Jamie Braidwood29 mins: There’s a half-shout for a penalty as Yang goes down in the box. LASK look to hit back at the other end but Trusty is there to step across and cut out the danger.
GOAL! Celtic 1-0 LASK (NYGREN 26')
20:27 , Jamie BraidwoodYES THEY CAN! WHAT A HIT FROM NYGREN!
What a goal from the Swede, sublime. I was just thinking Celtic have to score in this period of play. Well Tierney’s cross from the left broke to Nygren and he caught the ball sweet. A stunning rising half-volley flies into the top corner and Celtic Park erupts!
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:27 , Jamie Braidwood25 mins: Celtic are stroking the ball around confidently now. Can they get a goal to make the most of this period of pressure....
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:24 , Jamie Braidwood23 mins: Celtic’s backline looked a bit sketchy early doors but Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty have won their duels since then. This has been a better spell from Celtic.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:21 , Jamie Braidwood20 mins: Hogh is almost through there! It’s nice play from Celtic around the edge of the box and the ball is threaded through to the No 9. But the defender Andres Andrade steps across and wins his challenge.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:19 , Jamie Braidwood17 mins: CHANCE! Almost a brilliant Celtic counter-attack. Donovan springs it with a lovely switch forward to Duran. But he can’t get the bouncing ball under control and the chance is gone as he loses possession trying to beat the final man.
Duran has been plenty involved so far. Hogh has been quiet but Baur is then not far from threading a decent ball through.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:14 , Jamie Braidwood14 mins: Once again it’s LASK who can cut through Celtic’s midfield and spark an attack on goal. Celtic look a little outnumbered in there. Krystof Danek’s header is easily saved though.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:12 , Jamie Braidwood12 mins: LASK cut through Celtic but Adeniran fries his shot straight at Sinisalo. LASK’s set-up is allowing them to create plenty of chances. It’s end-to-end.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:11 , Jamie Braidwood10 mins: Another chance for Celtic! A ball over the top finds Duran spinning behind. The forward gets there first and he pokes a shot across goal, but it dribbles past the past.
Decent opportunities for both teams.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:08 , Jamie Braidwood8 mins: CHANCE! From the free-kick, Nygren picks out Duran with the reverse pass. Duran strikes across goal but the goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth saves.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:08 , Jamie Braidwood7 mins: Nygren stands over a free-kick on the edge of the box after Yang wins a free-kick on the edge of the box. But the Swede hits the wall.
Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:06 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins: Like Celtic, LASK won the league and cup double last season. The Austrian side have started confidently.
CHANCE! Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:04 , Jamie Braidwood2 mins: Now Celtic should be behind! A simple ball through the defence finds Samuel Adeniran and the striker has just Sinisalo to beat. But he drags his finish horribly wide.
LASK should be ahead. Celtic need to wake up.
NO GOAL! Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:02 , Jamie Braidwood1 min: OH MY GOODNESS. LASK have the ball in the net after just 30 seconds and it’s an absolute banger. The forward Moses Usor hits an unbelievable volley into the top corner from the angle, but he’s given offside.
He made his run just half a yard early.
KICK-OFF! Celtic 0-0 LASK
20:01 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s a crackling atmosphere at Celtic Park and LASK get us underway. A small pocket of their fans, dressed in black and white, are in the corner of the stadium. They’re making a decent noise too.
Celtic v LASK: Kick-off coming up next
19:57 , Jamie BraidwoodWe’re about to hear the iconic Champions League music...
Martin O’Neill has just admitted that he thought his days of hearing the Champions League anthem at Parkhead were gone.
Could he lead them back into the league phase and end their play-off heartbreak after five consecutive defeats?
The noise is brilliant in the east end of Glasgow.
Celtic v LASK team news and how to watch
19:57 , Jamie BraidwoodCeltic XI: Sinisalo, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney, McGregor, Baur, Nygren, Yang, Duran, Hogh
Subs: Doohan, Scales, Balikwisha, McCowan, Tounekti, Osmand, Hassan, Kenny, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Ralston
LASK XI: Jungwirth, Bello, Mbuyamba, Adeniran, Danek, Ljubicic, Andrade, Jorgensen, Harakate, Horvath, Tornich
Subs: Schutzenauer, Freckleton, Usor, Verhaeghe, Dibango, Lang, Flecker, Ilk, Ivkovic.
:: It will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max
Martin O'Neill on handing a debut to midfielder Mika Baur
19:53 , Jamie BraidwoodMartin O’Neill on handing a debut to 22-year-old midfielder Mika Baur for Celtic’s Champions League play-off first leg against LASK: “He’s a fine little footballer. He’s not a like-for-like replacement for Arne Engels gives us an extra bit of energy in there that we need.”
Martin O'Neill hopes Celtic can bounce back from last year's disappointment
19:51 , Jamie BraidwoodMartin O’Neill said it was “doubly disappointing” for Celtic to miss out on last season’s Champions League after pushing Bayern Munich close in the knockout play-off round the previous year.
When asked if Celtic can learn from that defeat to Kairat Almaty, which cost the Scottish champions about £20m, O’Neill replied: “I watched one of those games in fact, I think I was doing some TV work on the second leg. And of course it became a major disappointment, to not qualify for the Champions League is in itself that.
“But I think based on what happened the previous year (losing narrowly to Bayern Munich in last 32), I think then it became like doubly disappointing not to make it.
“But overall, I think that the players who are still here at the football club, they may well remember it, they may well think that they have something to try and achieve this time, but overall I feel I think we’re trying to look forward to the games, trying to get a result in the matches and try and get through.”
Celtic have a Champions League goalscorer in Kasper Hogh
19:42 , Jamie BraidwoodKasper Hogh, Celtic’s record signing, scored five Champions League goals for Bodo/Glimt last season. But it wasn’t just the goals the striker scored, it was who he scored against. He netted two against Manchester City, one against Atletico Madrid, one against Inter Milan and another against Sporting as the Norwegian side reached the last-16.
He’s already hit the ground running with a first Celtic hat-trick against Kilmarnock.
Who are LASK, Celtic's opponents in Champions League play-offs?
19:29 , Jamie BraidwoodLASK managed what Hearts came very close to achieving last year and ended a long wait to win the Austrian Bundesliga title. The Linz outfit won just the second title in their history and first since 1965. In Austria, Red Bull Salzburg had won 10 titles in a row between 2014 and 2023 but there have been two different champions since, Sturm Graz and LASK last year.
They have never played in the Champions League before and this will be their first meeting with Celtic. The Glasgow have only three of their 13 European matches against Austrian opponents but did beat Sturm Graz in last season’s Europa League.
Celtic arrive on form after perfect start to season under Martin O'Neill
19:17 , Jamie BraidwoodThe good news for Celtic is that they arrive into the Champions League play-offs have already started their season with three wins from three. Looking to carry on from last season’s excellent end to the season, Celtic have opened their campaign with victories over Dundee and Kilmarnock in the Premiership and a 4-0 at Dundee United in the League Cup on Sunday.
Celtic's woeful Champions League play-off record
19:06 , Jamie BraidwoodThe last two times Celtic have qualified for the Champions League (2023-24), (2024-25), it has been because they have gone straight through to the league phase. Celtic have failed to come through qualifying in their last five attempts, going back to a tie against Astana in 2017-18. Last season brought the dismal defeat on penalties to Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty, which spelled the end for Brendan Rogers. It was an awful defeat, especially as Celtic had pushed Bayern Munich close in the knockout stage the previous season.
A big night for new signing Mika Baur
18:55 , Jamie BraidwoodMika Baur makes his first Celtic start tonight - just six days after joining the club.
The 22-year-old midfielder was signed from Paderborn on a four-year deal and has big shoes to fill following the departure of Arne Engels, who has joined West Ham.
The German Under-21 international had his debut on Saturday in the 4-0 Scottish League Cup win at Dundee United and comes straight into the starting line-up tonight.
"He is a player with some excellent attributes, great technical ability, he will be important in linking our play and he has real versatility too,” Martin O’Neill said
Celtic make three changes as Baur, Yang and Tierney start
18:50 , Jamie BraidwoodColby Donovan is preferred to Anthony Ralston at right back with Alistair Johnston sidelined, while Kieran Tierney returns at left back.
With Arne Engels gone, Mika Baur comes into midfield alongside Callum McGregor while fellow new singings Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran also start.
Yang Hyun-jun is preferred on the wing to Sebastian Tounekti while Benjamin Nygren also starts behind Hogh.
With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still serving a three-game due to a red card he received while playing for Besiktas in 2023, it’s three changes for Celtic.
Celtic team news
18:46 , Jamie BraidwoodCeltic XI: Sinisalo; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney; McGregor, Baur; Yang, Nygren, Duran; Hogh
📋 Team news from Paradise.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 19, 2026
Here’s how the Celts line up against LASK.#CelticLASK | #UCL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/ACEEOFHjxK
Martin O'Neill leads Celtic into another crunch Champions League tie
18:42 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat an extraordinary time Martin O’Neill is having. Celtic’s run to the 2003 Uefa Cup final was 23 years ago and yet the 74-year-old is back to lead Celtic towards another shot at European glory in the Champions League.
Team news will be landing from Celtic in the next few minutes.
Good evening and welcome
18:29 , Jamie BraidwoodChampions League nights at Celtic Park are special and they were desperately missed last season. The club paid the price for their complacency as they lost to Kairat Almaty in the play-offs and the scars of that defeat will linger over tonight’s clash with LASK, the champions of Austria. Kick-off is at 8pm.
