Celtic are well on their way to the league phase of the Champions League after taking a commanding lead over Austrian champions LASK. The Bhoys won their home leg 3-0 thanks to a trio of top-drawer goals, setting up what should be a more comfortable second leg in Austria on Tuesday.
Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring with an outrageous sweeping half-volley, which was volleyed by an equally well-taken full volley from Camilo Duran, who continued where he left off in the Champions League with Qarabag last season. Duran went on to add a second in the second half with an excellent curling effort.
LASK looked dangerous at times and had two goals ruled out for offside, including one after just one minute, but Celtic's class in front of goal saw them firmly plant one foot in this season's Champions League. Here we rate the players from the statement win.
GK - Viljami Sinisalo - 7
Made a big save low down in the second half with the score at 2-0. It could have been a very different second half had he not. Steady throughout, and another clear case made for him to keep the starting job.
LB - Kieran Tierney (Off at 76') - 6
A little quieter than usual on the left side, but Tierney did a good job defensively. He looked tired going off.
CB - Auston Trusty - 6
The centre-backs struggled to contain Adineron between them and gave up too much space at times. Perhaps the midfield could have helped a little more, but the Celtic centre-back duo let the LASK striker drift between them and find space a little too often.
CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers - 6
At fault for conceding a huge chance with two minutes gone, with his man giving him the slip. Carter-Vickers was firmly the wrong side of his man and was fortunate to see him race through and put it wide.
RB - Colby Donovan (Off at 82') - 9
Provided a stunning long pass to create a chance for Duran in the ninth minute. Did the same a few minutes later, too. Donovan has some passing ability. He showed it all night. A truly, truly impressive display.
CDM - Callum McGregor - 7
Struggled to get control of the midfield in the first 10 minutes but settled into the game and was much better from then on. Hit the post with a good effort in the second half.
CDM - Mika Baur (Off at 65') - 7
Plenty busy and full of clever touches. Baur went off in the second half with an ankle injury, but he can be happy with his performance, especially playing a little out of position in a deeper role.
CAM - Benjamin Nygren - 7
An outstanding goal with jaw-dropping technique to sweep the ball into the top corner on the bounce. He may not be consistently elite, but he has elite quality. Nygren has plenty of nice touches but was a little quieter than O'Neill would have liked, aside from the goal. Still a good performance on the whole.
RW - Camilo Duran (Off at 82') - 9 (Man of the Match)
A good chance in the ninth minute, touching the ball wide, but he did well to get onto the ball. Scored an absolute stunner of a volley, one worthy of challenging Nygren for goal of the game. A sweet full volley that showed the quality Duran has in his left foot. Not done there, Duran produced a stunning top-corner finish to add his second and Celtic's third. Even after it went to three, Duran chased his man all the way back to win a goal kick in the 71st minute, showing real commitment to the cause.
LW - Yang Hyun-jun (Off at 76') - 6
A quiet night from Hyun-jun. Sebastian Tounetki had a great game over the weekend, and you do wonder why he wasn't given the chance here.
CF - Kasper Hogh - 6
Held the ball up well and threatened in and around the box. But the main danger came from elsewhere.
Substitutes
CDM - Reo Hatate (On at 65') - 6
The game was already won, but credit to Hatate, he was really solid after coming on, keeping in mind he has not played at all this season amid talk of an exit. A cool head in the circumstances.
LB - Liam Scales (On at 76) - 6
Solid enough after coming on to the left side. You know you are getting a good defensive job from Scales.
Sebastain Tounekti (On at 76') - 6
Not enough time to really impact the game, but took some nice touches. He was unlucky not to start.
RB - Anthony Ralston (On at 82') - 6
Nothing to note after his late introduction.
RW - Haissem Hassan (On at 82') - 6
Much the same as for Ralston, but Hassan did manage to run at his marker a few times on the right and show some trickery.
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