Benfica beat Celtic 4-1 as O’Neill insists they can qualify

Benfica beat Celtic 4-1 in Lisbon on Thursday, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side without a point after two Europa League league-phase matches. Jhon Durán scored twice for the hosts, who led 3-0 at halftime before Celtic responded through Camilo Durán. Vangelis Pavlidis added Benfica’s fourth late in the match. Benfica took the lead in the fifth minute when Jhon Durán converted a penalty. Alexander Bah extended the advantage midway through the first half, and Durán scored again in the 35th minute. Celtic had opportunities before the break, including a Kasper Høgh effort that struck the post, but went into halftime three goals behind. Celtic improved after the interval, with Haissem Hassan and Callum Osmand introduced at halftime. Hassan set up Camilo Durán’s headed goal in the 63rd minute. Camilo Durán later struck a post, but Benfica maintained control and Pavlidis scored late to seal the win. Benfica have six points from their first two matches; Celtic have lost both, following a 3-1 home defeat by Ferencváros. After the match, O’Neill said Celtic could still qualify for the knockout stages, with six league-phase matches remaining. He pointed to the team’s second-half response as...