Jhon Duran scored twice as Benfica secured a 4-1 victory over Celtic in the UEFA Europa League, extending their unbeaten run in the group stage. The match at Estadio da Luz saw Duran open the scoring with a Panenka penalty before adding a second goal from a tight angle. His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award, with the former Aston Villa forward expressing satisfaction with his form and collaboration with Vangelis Pavlidis. “These two goals are important for my confidence and to integrate more with Vangelis,” Duran said, highlighting his growing role in the team’s attack.
Benfica’s manager, praised the team’s first-half dominance but emphasized the need for improved control in later stages of games. “Our first-half performance was so good it seemed easier,” Silva noted, acknowledging Celtic’s quality. The win lifted Benfica to third in their group with six points from two matches, setting up a crucial clash against Omonia in the next round. Celtic, meanwhile, prepare to face Celta de Vigo in their next fixture.
Duran’s Double Secures Benfica’s Dominant Win
Duran’s first goal came in the early stages, converting a penalty with a Panenka technique, while his second came from a close-range finish before halftime.
Coach Highlights Team’s Performance and Challenges
Despite the win, Silva pointed to areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining control when leading. “We must be more solid to manage the game when ahead,” he said. The manager also acknowledged Celtic’s threat, stating, “If we give them confidence, they can make it difficult.” Benfica’s next match against Omonia will test their ability to sustain their momentum.
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