Camilo Duran has admitted he has never experienced anything quite like a Champions League night at Celtic Park.
The Colombian produced an outstanding performance in Celtic’s 3-0 first-leg victory over LASK, scoring twice to put Martin O’Neill’s side within touching distance of the Champions League league phase.
O’Neill described Duran’s display as “world-class”, with the forward continuing his flying start to life in Glasgow following his £6million summer move from Qarabag.
Duran already knows his way around the Champions League after scoring five goals in the competition last season, but even that experience did not prepare him for the atmosphere he encountered at Celtic Park on Wednesday night.
Asked how it compared to playing in the competition with Qarabag, Duran said via The Herald: “It’s totally different to anything I experienced in the Champions League last season.
“Celtic are the biggest club in Scotland.
“The stadium is always full, the fans are always supporting us, and that can make a huge difference in the Champions League as well.”
Despite Celtic taking a commanding three-goal advantage into the return leg, Duran is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “There are 90 minutes left. We haven’t won or achieved anything yet.
“I’m just happy for the work the team has done. Now we need to rest and continue working with humility.
“I know that the next game is waiting for us. We have to do our best over there, the same as we did on Wednesday night. With God’s help, we’ll get through this phase, which is what we obviously all want.”
On life in Glasgow so far, he continued: “Since I arrived, the coaches and the other players have helped me in the best way.
“That has helped me to adapt more easily and it’s been reflected in what I have done on the pitch.
“My family, my parents and my wife were here with my daughter. I just want to go up and give them a hug now. It has been a truly incredible night.
“My family is already happy here in Glasgow. If they’re happy, I’m happy. That’s why I’m so happy on the pitch right now.”
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