Celtic suffered a 4-0 defeat to Benfica in the Europa League, marking their second group stage loss and adding to recent derby setbacks. Despite the heavy scoreline, manager Martin O'Neill remained defiant, insisting he could see positive signs in the team's performance. Benfica created numerous chances and hit the woodwork twice, exposing Celtic's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the absence of injured centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Gianluca Prestianni and Duran caused constant trouble for Celtic's back four. In attack, O'Neill faced criticism over the form of club-record signing Kasper Hogh, who was substituted at half-time and has failed to score in 10 of his first 11 appearances since joining from Bodo/Glimt. Colombian winger Duran, shifted inside in the second half, impressed with his movement and threat, earning praise from former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan, who said he would choose Duran over Hogh every day.
O'Neill acknowledged Duran is more effective through the middle and expressed confidence in adapting the system to accommodate him, stating it is now a 'real battle for places' in the squad.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing