Benfica triumph 4-1 over Celtic in a dominant UEFA Europa League performance.
The UEFA Europa League league phase match between Benfica and Celtic took place on 15 October 2026 at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Both sides entered the game seeking points, but the home side quickly asserted control in front of their supporters.
How it unfolded
The opening minutes saw Benfica take the lead when Jhon Durán converted a penalty in the 5th minute, slotting the left-footed shot to the centre of the goal. The early advantage set the tone for the home side.
Benfica extended their lead in the 23rd minute through Alexander Bah, who fired a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top left corner after receiving a through ball from Gianluca Prestianni.
Just thirteen minutes later, Jhon Durán doubled his tally, scoring his second of the night in the 36th minute. He finished a fast-break move with a left-footed strike from a difficult angle on the left, again assisted by Gianluca Prestianni.
The first half concluded with a booking for Benfica’s Samuel Dahl in the 44th minute, shown a yellow card for a bad foul.
Celtic pulled one back in the 63rd minute when Camilo Durán headed home from very close range, the ball having been crossed by Haissem Hassan. The goal reduced the deficit to 3-1.
Benfica’s Alexander Bah received a yellow card for a bad foul in the 69th minute, followed by another booking for João Palhinha in the 85th minute for a bad foul.
The final blow came in the 89th minute when Vangelis Pavlidis struck a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner, finishing a through ball from Tomás Araújo to make it 4-1.
Standout performers
Jhon Durán was the decisive figure, scoring two goals, including the opening penalty, and showcasing composure in front of goal.
Alexander Bah contributed a well-taken strike and was involved in the build-up for Durán’s second goal, highlighting his influence in the attacking third.
Gianluca Prestianni provided the decisive assists for both of Durán’s non-penalty goals, demonstrating his vision and ability to unlock the Celtic defence.
Vangelis Pavlidis added a late strike, sealing the win with a powerful effort from distance.
Match facts
- Final score: Benfica 4-1 Celtic
- Scorers: Jhon Durán (5’, 36’), Alexander Bah (23’), Vangelis Pavlidis (89’) – Celtic: Camilo Durán (63’)
- Assists: Gianluca Prestianni (23’, 36’), Haissem Hassan (63’), Tomás Araújo (89’)
- Bookings: Samuel Dahl (44’), Alexander Bah (69’), João Palhinha (85’) – all yellow cards for bad fouls
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
What it means
The 4-1 win gives Benfica three points in the UEFA Europa League league phase, strengthening their position in the group, while Celtic return home with a single point, needing to recover in their remaining fixtures.
