Jhon Duran bags brace as Benfica thrash Celtic 4-1 in Europa League

Benfica stayed perfect in the Europa League league phase by sweeping Celtic aside 4-1 at Estadio da Luz, with Jhon Duran striking twice to send Marco Silva’s side up to third place.

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The Portuguese side took control early. Former Aston Villa forward Duran converted a Panenka penalty, before Alexander Bah doubled the lead with a volley.

Duran added his second before the interval, finding the net from a tight angle as Benfica raced into a 3-0 half-time advantage.

Celtic briefly threatened a response when Camilo Duran reduced the deficit, but substitute Vangelis Pavlidis completed the scoring late on.

Duran, named Player of the Match, said the brace would help him build momentum in Benfica’s attack. “It was a great win for us and another two goals. I am still working for more,” he said.

He added that his goals would improve his confidence and help his understanding with Pavlidis, while acknowledging the striker’s strong scoring run. “Whenever I have the opportunity to play, I will give my best for everyone,” Duran said.

Silva said Benfica’s first-half level had made a difficult opponent appear more manageable than they were. “The first-half performance was so good that it looked easier,” he said.

The Benfica manager warned that Celtic possess enough quality to punish teams given encouragement, and admitted his side must manage leads with greater control. “We got back to our best version and scored the fourth,” Silva said. “We have things to learn and need to be more solid when we are ahead.”

Next, Benfica travel to Omonia looking to protect their flawless European record. Celtic remain without a point and will return to Parkhead to face Celta Vigo.