Key Takeaways:
- Benfica defeated Celtic 4-1 to end the Scottish side’s three-match unbeaten away streak in the competition
- Benfica have now gone 12 home UEFA Europa League main stage matches without defeat
- Jhon Duran scored twice and also won a penalty to inspire the hosts’ convincing victory
Match Overview
Benfica delivered a commanding performance against Celtic at Estadio da Luz, securing a resounding 4-1 win and maintaining their formidable record at home in the UEFA Europa League. The Portuguese side’s victory brought Celtic’s unbeaten away run in the competition to an abrupt end, while extending Benfica’s own unbeaten sequence to 12 group and league stage home matches in Europe.
Prossegue a nossa caminhada na #UEL! 🤩
#SLBCFC https://t.co/x51pMgcyW2
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) October 15, 2026
First Half: Early Pressure and Ruthless Finishing
The Hoops were under pressure from the outset and fell behind inside five minutes. Dane Murray’s attempt to clear his lines inside the box resulted in a foul on Jhon Duran, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot. Duran confidently stepped up and dispatched a Panenka-style penalty to give Benfica the lead.
Martin O’Neill’s side initially responded positively, with Mika Baur forcing a sharp save from Anatoliy Trubin just two minutes later. However, Benfica quickly regained the upper hand. Gianluca Prestianni narrowly missed on 20 minutes, but moments afterwards turned provider, delivering a cross for Alexander Bah, who volleyed in unopposed at the back post to double the advantage.
Despite their defensive struggles, Celtic came close to reducing the arrears as Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran each struck the woodwork in quick succession. The visitors’ inability to capitalise defensively was punished before the interval. Prestianni, again influential, set up Duran, who shrugged off Auston Trusty and fired a low finish through Viljami Sinisalo’s legs from a tight angle for his second of the evening.
Second Half: Celtic Rally Falls Short
O’Neill introduced two substitutes at the break, and both made quick contributions. Haissem Hassan showcased flair down the right before firing off target, while Callum Osmand stabbed an effort over the crossbar. Celtic’s perseverance was eventually rewarded as Hassan delivered a cross for Duran, who headed home to reduce the deficit.
The theme of near misses persisted for the Scottish champions. Camilo Duran, seeking to match Jhon’s brace, struck the frame of the goal once more with just under 20 minutes left. Benfica nearly restored their three-goal margin immediately after, but substitute Andreas Schjeldrup also found the post with his effort.
While Celtic showed improvement in the second period, their first-half defensive lapses proved costly. In the closing stages, substitute Vangelis Pavlidis completed the scoring with Benfica’s fourth, ensuring an emphatic home victory.
Looking Ahead
Celtic will aim to halt a run of three consecutive European defeats when they host Celta Vigo next week. Benfica, meanwhile, are set to travel to Cyprus to face Omonia as they seek a third straight Europa League victory in seven days’ time.
