Celtic did not need another bad European night, and Lisbon duly served up a nightmare. On Thursday, October 15, Jhon Durán scored twice as Benfica beat Celtic 4-1 at the Estádio da Luz, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side without a point after two Europa League games. With the Hoops now 34th out of 36 teams, the pressure on the manager is only growing.
A Penalty Inside Five Minutes
Celtic’s evening unravelled almost immediately. Dane Murray brought down Durán in the box, and the Colombian converted the penalty in the opening minutes of the match. It was a perfect start for Benfica and a disastrous one for a side already short on confidence.
Bah and Durán Make It Three
The second goal was a defensive disaster. In the 23rd minute Sebastian Tounekti allowed Alexander Bah to run past him, and Bah finished at the far post.
Then Durán struck again in the 36th minute after Celtic gave the ball away cheaply, and goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was beaten for the third time. It was 3-0 at half-time, and the match looked dead.
Camilo Durán Gives Hope
Celtic improved after the break. In the 63rd minute Camilo Durán, Celtic’s own Colombian striker, headed in Haissem Hassan’s cross from the right, then hit the post as Celtic pushed for another. Benfica also hit the woodwork twice, and substitutes Hassan and Callum Osmand caused problems.
But in the 89th minute Vangelis Pavlidis put the gloss on the scoreline, finishing a counter-attack after a pass from Tomás Araújo.
O’Neill Defiant
Speaking afterwards, O’Neill said Celtic could have capitulated after the early concessions, but praised the second-half display and insisted they can still qualify with six games remaining. He said Celtic created chance after chance, and singled out Hassan and Osmand for praise.
Why the Pressure Is Growing
The numbers are brutal. Celtic have lost four of their past five games, and every high-stakes match this season, both meetings with Rangers and both European outings, has ended in defeat. They have conceded seven goals in two Europa League matches and sit 34th in the 36-team table. O’Neill took charge for a second time in January, and fans are now asking whether he is the answer.
Benfica vs Celtic: Key Facts
- Result: Benfica 4-1 Celtic, October 15, 2026
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
- Benfica goals: Jhon Durán (penalty, 36′), Bah (23′), Pavlidis (89′)
- Celtic goal: Camilo Durán (63′)
- Table: Celtic 34th of 36, no points
What Happens Next?
O’Neill has no time to dwell. Hearts are next up on Sunday, and he must decide whether Murray and Auston Trusty deserve another chance together at centre-back.
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