Nygren Nets Decisive Winner as Celtic Edge Dundee 1-0 in Premiership Opener

Celtic Edge Dundee 1-0 in Premiership Opener Thriller

Celtic began their Premiership campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dundee in a rain-swept clash at Celtic Park, as Benjamin Nygren’s second-half strike proved the difference. The Glasgow giants dominated possession but were made to sweat against a resolute Dundee side who soaked up pressure and threatened on the break.

Celtic’s First Half Frustration

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic side started brightly, pinning Dundee back with their trademark possession play. Arne Engels fizzed an early effort just wide from 20 yards, before Camilo Durán saw a powerful header clawed away by Owen Goodman. The visitors’ 5-4-1 defensive block held firm though, restricting Celtic to half-chances despite the hosts enjoying 65% possession.

Steven Pressley’s Dundee grew into the game, with Simon Murray’s pace causing problems on the counter. But neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval, with Celtic’s 12 first half shots failing to hit the target.

Nygren Breaks Dundee Resistance

The second half began in much the same vein, with Celtic probing and Dundee defending resolutely. The breakthrough finally came in the 52nd minute, as Kieran Tierney picked out Benjamin Nygren with an inch-perfect cross. The Swedish striker peeled away from his marker to head home from close range, sparking delirium in the Celtic Park stands.

Dundee responded positively, bringing on Charlie Reilly and Simon Murray in a double substitution on the hour mark. The visitors went close to an equaliser when Drey Wright stung Viljami Sinisalo’s palms from distance, but Celtic held firm against the mounting pressure.

Celtic See Out Tense Finale

The hosts made attacking changes of their own, introducing Yang Hyun-Jun and Camilo Durán in a bid to see out the game. Dundee continued to push though, with Arne Engels booked for a cynical foul as the visitors threatened a late breakaway.

But Celtic’s defensive resolve held firm, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty dominant in the air. The celebrations at full-time reflected the importance of three hard-earned points for O’Neill’s side as they began their Premiership title defence.

The result sees Celtic edge three points clear at the top after the opening round of fixtures, whilst Dundee will take heart from a performance full of resilience and tactical discipline that ultimately came up just short.

Key Moments

52′ ⚽ Celtic — B. Nygren (assist: K. Tierney)

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