Benfica 4–1 Celtic: Jhon Durán double leaves Hoops facing uphill Europa League task

Celtic suffered a second successive Europa League defeat as Jhon Durán scored twice in Benfica’s 4–1 victory in Lisbon.

Alexander Bah also struck before half-time to leave the visitors three goals behind. Camilo Durán reduced the deficit after the break, but substitute Vangelis Pavlidis completed the scoring late on.

Benfica vs Celtic: First-half damage proves costly

Martin O’Neill brought Auston Trusty and Oliver Sørensen into Celtic’s starting lineup, with Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren moving to the bench.

The visitors fell behind after five minutes when Dane Murray fouled Jhon Durán. The striker converted with a chipped penalty, sending Viljami Sinisalo the wrong way.

Bah doubled Benfica’s lead in the 23rd minute before Jhon Durán added his second in the 36th. Gianluca Prestianni supplied both goals, repeatedly troubling Celtic’s defence.

Celtic had opportunities of their own, with Kasper Høgh hitting a post and Camilo Durán striking the crossbar before the interval.

Camilo Durán gives Celtic brief hope

O’Neill introduced Callum Osmand and Haissem Hassan at half-time, replacing Høgh and Sebastian Tounekti.

Hassan provided the cross for Camilo Durán to head home in the 63rd minute. The Colombian then struck a post in the 72nd as Celtic threatened to reduce the deficit further.

Benfica held their advantage, however, and Pavlidis made it four in the 89th minute.

Celtic remain without a point after two league-phase matches, having lost their opener 3–1 to Ferencváros.

The defeat follows Sunday’s 2–0 victory at Motherwell. They host Hearts on October 18 before welcoming Celta Vigo to Celtic Park in their next European fixture on October 22.