Celtic preserved their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Aberdeen, as Camilo Duran scored another spectacular goal before setting up Hyun-jun Yang to complete the scoring.
Benjamin Nygren was also on target in a dominant first half for the champions, who had the match effectively secured before the interval. Duran’s latest outstanding finish took his tally to six goals in five matches and further strengthened his case to remain in a central attacking role.
The Colombia forward opened the scoring in the 14th minute with another stunning long-range effort, continuing an impressive sequence of strikes since his summer move from Qarabag. Having received a pass from Nygren, Duran appeared to have little available to him, but he struck a 20-yard shot with minimal backlift which flew in off the crossbar.
Duran had already shown signs that he would be a constant threat. He forced four saves from Aberdeen goalkeeper Marius Muller during the first half and later sent a bouncing ball over the bar after Yang’s cross created confusion in the Dons’ defence.
The home side missed opportunities to extend their advantage before eventually doubling it in the 34th minute. Nygren’s effort appeared to be mishit, but the ball took an awkward path and bobbled beyond Muller.
Aberdeen came close to changing the momentum moments before the break. Gavin Molloy headed against the crossbar from three yards with the goal unguarded, but Celtic immediately responded.
In first-half stoppage time, Duran supplied Yang, who made no mistake to put Celtic 3-0 ahead. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson made four substitutions at half-time after his side’s difficult opening 45 minutes.
Celtic’s attacking options could create a selection dilemma for manager Martin O’Neill when fellow centre-forward Kasper Hogh returns from a thigh injury. Duran’s form has made it increasingly difficult to move him back to the wing, given the impact he is having through the middle.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Muller continued to limit the damage after the break. He denied Mheuka shortly after the substitute’s introduction, with the forward almost scoring with his first touch.
The victory keeps Celtic’s start to the Scottish Premiership season flawless, while Aberdeen were left to reflect on missed chances and a first half in which the champions’ finishing quality proved decisive.
14: GOAL! Duran fires the hosts ahead with a stunning long-range strike.
19: CHANCE! Duran should have doubled Celtic’s lead but fired over from close range.
24: CHANCE! With only Muller to beat, Duran saw his low shot saved by the Aberdeen goalkeeper.
34: GOAL! Nygren’s mishit shot somehow bobbles past Muller.
45+1: BAR! Molloy heads against the bar from three yards with the goal empty.
45+1: GOAL! Duran plays in Yang, who finishes confidently.
77: CHANCE! Mheuka nearly scores with his first touch but is denied by Muller.
