Jhon Duran scores twice as Benfica prove too hot to handle for Celtic

Celtic found clinical Benfica just too much to handle in a 4-1 Europa League defeat in Lisbon.

Colombia striker Jhon Duran scored with a penalty after just five minutes after being fouled by Hoops defender Dane Murray and then helped himself to a second in the 35th minute, after defender Alexander Bah had added a second midway through the first half.

Martin O’Neill’s side were cut apart at times but could have scored themselves on a couple of occasions before the break.

The Hoops eventually reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute through a brave header from Camilo Duran – who had joined up with the squad late after remaining in Glasgow for the birth of his second child – but they could not close the gap any further before substitute Vangelis Pavlidis fired in a fourth for the home side with two minutes remaining.

Celtic lost 3-1 at home to Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros in their first Europa League game at Parkhead before the international break and will have to pick themselves up again for the visit of Hearts in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday.