Champions League: Martin O’Neill pleased as Celtic secure crucial play-off first-leg lead over LASK
Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have one foot in the Champions League proper after securing a commanding 3-0 play-off first-leg lead over LASK.
Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring against the Austrians at Celtic Park before Camilo Durán struck twice to put Martin O’Neill’s side firmly in control 12 months on from a painful play-off exit at the hands of Kazakh minnows Kairat.
The second leg takes place in Linz on Tuesday 25 August, with Celtic now just 90 minutes away from completing their Champions League return.
O’Neill remains cautiously optimistic
Following the match, Celtic boss O’Neill said on Sky Sports: “I thought there were periods where we played some really fantastic stuff. There were also periods where they played fantastic stuff.
“It was really like a basketball game, particularly in the first half.
“We rode a little bit of luck – they had a great shot in the first minute, just marginally offside.
“They had a great chance just a moment or two after that, so they started the brighter and it took us time to get going.
“But when we did, we scored a great goal by Nygren to take a bit of pressure off, give us the lead, and then Duran’s two goals were fantastic.
“But the game is absolutely in the balance.”
McGregor praises ‘fantastic performance’
Bhoys captain Callum McGregor added: “We are trying to get the club in the Champions League – only halfway there but fantastic performance.
“We have to finish it off next week.
“The group is good and doing well. We are always trying to work and get better.
“The confidence grows; it’s only halfway.”
READ MORE: Champions League: Martin O’Neill urges Celtic to chase European glory despite improbable odds
Celtic hierarchy deserve credit
Sky Sports reporter Adam Binnie, meanwhile, stated after watching the clash in Glasgow: “Twelve months on from shock elimination at this stage to Kazakh club Kairat, the Scottish champions already have one foot in the league phase after the first leg.
“Whisper it quietly, but the much-maligned Celtic board are due some credit.
“Summer signing Camilo Duran stole the show with two outstanding goals, and fellow new recruit Mika Baur was arguably player of the match on his home debut.
“Their latest arrival, Hasseim Hassan, looked exciting off the bench while Kasper Hogh – though not on the scoresheet – displayed strengths in his link-up play.
“The club have reinvested more than £30 million on the aforementioned acquisitions and are still in the black.
“That’s good business.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Arsenal begin their title defence, Newcastle’s new manager with a rebuild and more Gameweek 1 betting tips
