Euro round-up: Benfica prove too hot to handle for Celtic, Bournemouth outclass Sturm Graz

Celtic players dejected after conceding their third goal. Pic: Zed Jameson/the Press Association.

Celtic found clinical Benfica just too much to handle in a 4-1 Europa League defeat in Lisbon.

Colombia striker Jhon Duran scored with a penalty after just five minutes after being fouled by Hoops defender Dane Murray and then helped himself to a second in the 35th minute, after defender Alexander Bah had added a second midway through the first half.

Martin O’Neill’s side were cut apart at times but could have scored themselves on a couple of occasions before the break.

The Hoops eventually reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute through a brave header from Camilo Duran – who had joined up with the squad late after remaining in Glasgow for the birth of his second child – but they could not close the gap any further before substitute Vangelis Pavlidis fired in a fourth for the home side with two minutes remaining.

Celtic lost 3-1 at home to Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros in their first Europa League game at Parkhead before the international break and will have to pick themselves up again for the visit of Hearts in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth won their first European match at the Vitality Stadium as Sturm Graz were beaten 3-0 to maintain Marco Rose’s perfect start in the Europa League.

Evanilson’s goal in the 43rd minute was befitting of its place in the club’s history and in supporters’ hearts, a cleverly placed header from Adam Smith’s cross fair reward for a dominant first half.

Goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov’s poor handling allowed Rayan to make it two, then Alvaro Rodriguez hit a penalty on a night that will not soon be forgotten by the more than 12,000 in attendance, a record crowd since this stadium was made all-seater.

Elsewhere, Georginio Rutter got Brighton’s Conference League campaign off to a flying start and sent a message to boss Fabian Hurzeler.

Rutter has lost his place to teenage hot-shot Charalampos Kostoulas in the Albion team, and was making his first start since the opening day of the season against Lithuanian champions Kauno Zalgiris.

The French forward responded by scoring twice and creating another as Brighton cruised to a 4-0 victory at the Amex Stadium, with Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley also on target.

Earlier, Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage suffered a frustrating Europa League defeat after his side fell 3-2 to his former employers Lyon at the Groupama Stadium.

Corentin Tolisso opened the scoring for the hosts and Ernest Nuamah doubled Lyon’s advantage late in a first half void of any shots on target for the visitors.

Yeremy Pino cut the deficit in half five minutes after the break before Pavel Sulc restored the Ligue 1 side’s advantage.

Eagles substitute Daichi Kamada pulled one back with nine minutes remaining in a better second half for Palace, who could not find a third.

Noah Sadiki scored a last-gasp winner for Sunderland as they came from behind to beat Torreense 2-1 in Leiria.

Timur Tutierov had a goal ruled out for the Black Cats, who were unable to capitalise on their dominant first-half display, and the second division Portuguese side pounced, going ahead before the break thanks to a stunning top-corner finish from Volnei Feltes.

Sunderland had a flurry of chances after the restart, eventually levelling through Jules Ahoka’s header, and they continued to have opportunities until the death, with Sadiki snatching a stoppage-time winner on the half-volley.

Victory is the Wearsiders’ second in the Europa League having won their opener against AZ Alkmaar, and their attention now turns to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.