Getty Images Sport
Getty Images Sport
Getty Images SportBenfica maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Europa League league phase with a dominant 4-1 victory over Celtic at Estadio da Luz. Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran opened the scoring with an early Panenka penalty before Alexander Bah volleyed in a second.
Duran then squeezed home his second from a tight angle to make it 3-0 before half-time.
Although Camilo Duran pulled one back for Celtic, substitute Vangelis Pavlidis sealed the victory late on to leave Marco Silva's side third in the standings.
Getty Images SportPlayer of the Match Duran expressed delight with his two-goal performance while praising the competition and camaraderie within Benfica's forward line. "A great win for us, another two goals, I’m still working towards more," Duran said.
"These two goals are important to boost my confidence and help work even more closely with Vangelis Pavlidis."
"Everyone knows his current form; he’s scoring loads of goals and owns the place," Duran added. "Whenever I get the chance to play, I’ll do my best for everyone."
Benfica manager Marco Silva praised his team's explosive opening 45 minutes, noting how easily they managed to disrupt the Scottish champions. "Our performance in the first half was so good, it made it look easier," Silva noted.
"We saw the quality of Celtic and if we give them the confidence they can make it tough."
"We managed to get back to our best version and we scored the fourth," Silva added. "We should be more solid to control the game when we are leading, so there are things to learn."
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportThe emphatic victory leaves Benfica well-positioned near the top of the Europa League table with six points from two matches.
Silva’s squad will look to maintain their flawless continental record when they travel to face Omonia on Matchday 3.
Celtic, meanwhile, return to Parkhead searching for their first European points when they host Celta Vigo.