Celtic's Champions League Certainty
Celtic have a 3-0 first-leg advantage over LASK in the Champions League play-off, leaving them effectively guaranteed a place in the group stage. The win was built on a goal from Benjamin Nygren and a brilliant strike from Camilo Duran, who has already netted five times in the competition last season for Qarabag and proved the £6 million fee was worth it. Summer signings Mika Baur and Kasper Hogh also contributed, while O’Neill cautioned that LASK still pose a threat.
Hearts, Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell in Uncertain Positions
Hearts sit level at 2-2 with Rapid Vienna after a 2-1 home win, needing a win away to secure a Conference League spot and a £4 million boost. Rangers lead 1-0 over Jablonec but must win the Czech Republic leg to avoid their first-ever Conference League appearance. Hibs drew 0-0 with Gent, leaving them on the brink of their first European league-phase qualification, while Motherwell trail 3-1 at Freiburg after a 1-st minute opener by Regan Charles-Cook.
Key Players and Tactical Notes
Celtic’s attack remains potent with Nygren now the club’s top scorer for the season, having four goals in four games, and Duran’s pace and skill have made him a match-winner at Parkhead. Rangers’ possession dominated the first leg, with 13 shots on target, but a straight-red card for Cammy Devlin and missed chances left them vulnerable. Hibs’ defensive record of 15 goals conceded and only four scored in Europe this season highlights the challenge ahead.
Final Legs Set for Wednesday
All five clubs will face their second legs on Wednesday night, with Hibs’ tie against Gent scheduled to be played at Easter Road. The final leg for Hibs will be played at Easter Road on Wednesday night.
