Celtic took a gigantic step toward securing their spot in the Champions League group stage as two sublime strikes from Camilo Duran and a Benjamin Nygren rocket helped clinch a commanding 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of their play-off tie.
The Colombian attacker found the net either side of half-time after a spectacular finish from Nygren had set Martin O’Neill’s side on their way to an emphatic victory.
Despite the score line, the reigning Austrian champions had chances throughout and even had two first-half goals ruled offside. Their lively strike pairing of Moses Usor and Samuel Adeniran both posed a dangerous threat, but Celtic’s rear-guard stood firm.
New signings Mika Baur, Kasper Hogh and Duran were all given the nod to start by boss Martin O’Neill and the decision paid off, with fellow newcomer Haissem Hassan brought off the bench in the closing stages as he continues to get up to full speed.
Right-back Colby Donovan also impressed as he looked to catch the eye with new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli watching on from the stands.
The two sides will meet again in the second leg next Tuesday in Linz. While LASK will look to respond in back on home soil, Celtic's polished display and comfortable cushion has increased their qualification prospects after falling short at this stage 12 months ago.
We give each player a mark out of ten for their display.
1. GK: Viljami Sinisalo (8/10)
A tidy performance on his Champions League debut. Distribution was good. Down well to smother Adeniran's low effort in the first-half. Crucial save to deny Usor in the six-yard box. Blocked another Adeniran effort with his legs in the closing stages. Started the move from deep which led to Duran's second goal. | SNS Group
2. RB: Colby Donovan (7/10)
Caught out in the opening 30 seconds with a clipped ball in behind and left breathing a sigh of relief as Usor's spectacular finish was ruled offside. Recovered extremely well. Long ball over the top led to an early Duran chance and got forward to good effect. Made some well-timed challenges. Subbed. | SNS Group
3. CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers (6/10)
Got off to a shaky start. Sluggish to let Adeniran nip in front of him and race through one-on-one in the opening minutes. Settled thereafter and began the second half by smashing into a ball-winning challenge with the LASK striker. Given a tough run-out against LASK physical front pairing. | SNS Group
4. CB: Auston Trusty (7/10)
Fared slightly better than his defensive partner. Good covering challenge to thwart Usor from pulling the trigger just shy of the half hour mark. Header off target at the front post late in the first half. Vital late block from Lang's shot. | SNS Group