Celtic lose to Benfica by four goals as attack options come under scrutiny
In football, Celtic conceded four goals in a defeat to Portuguese club Benfica. Manager Martin O'Neill said after the match that he sees Colombian forward Duran as best used through the middle, and that competition for places has intensified.
In football, Celtic, managed by Martin O'Neill, lost to Portuguese club Benfica after conceding four goals. Match analysis stressed that the scoreline did not flatter the hosts: Benfica created plenty of chances in both halves and also hit the woodwork twice on top of their four goals.
Defensive problems
Celtic's thin cover in defence was exposed again. Injured Cameron Carter-Vickers was missing, and Gianluca Prestianni caused the visiting back four serious problems.
Attacking questions
O'Neill's biggest concern may lie up front. Club record signing Kasper Hogh, who joined in the summer from Norway's Bodo/Glimt, was substituted at half-time. The Dane has failed to score in 10 of his first 11 appearances.
Colombian Duran moved inside for the second half and looked considerably more dangerous. Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan said he would pick Duran, as the player tries to get away from defenders and is more likely to react to a ball into the area. Of Hogh, he said he was not firing on all cylinders.
After the match, O'Neill said Duran had played wide at previous clubs but that he personally believes the forward's best position is through the middle. He added that the task now is to fit him into the team, and that there is a real battle for places.
