Benjamin Nygren returned to scoring form as Celtic opened their Premiership title defence with a 1-0 victory at home to Dundee. Before kick-off, the home crowd applauded captain Callum McGregor as he raised the flag marking the club’s 14th championship in 15 seasons.
The first half lacked intensity, with Martin O’Neill’s team unable to establish their rhythm while Dundee created several difficulties. Nygren, who scored 21 times last season, eventually broke the deadlock with a close-range header in the 52nd minute. His goal was enough to secure all three points in Glasgow and give the champions a winning start to the campaign.
Celtic supporters are still asking for further additions to the squad, but two recent signings made their first appearances. Colombian striker Camilo Durán arrived from Qarabag for a reported £5.5m, while Danish forward Kasper Høgh joined from Bodø/Glimt for a club-record £11m plus potential add-ons.
Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, who have both attracted interest from other clubs, were also named in the starting lineup. Dundee goalkeeper Owen Goodman made his debut for the visitors.
Høgh sent a ninth-minute attempt wide after Nygren created the opportunity, before diverting another effort from his teammate beyond the post. Dundee then threatened at the opposite end when a loose ball bounced around the Celtic penalty area and Charlie Reilly struck the side netting from 12 yards.
Steven Pressley’s organised side caused problems with aerial deliveries from crosses and throw-ins. In the 33rd minute, defender Owen Bevan connected with a header inside the area, but Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo collected it without difficulty.
Five minutes later, Engels wasted the clearest opportunity of the match up to that point. Left unmarked in the Dundee box, he headed Kieran Tierney’s cross wide. Tierney then forced Goodman into an impressive save with a powerful attempt from close range.
Celtic made an uncertain start to the second half, but the tension eased when Tierney delivered a curling cross from the left and Nygren headed beyond Goodman from inside the penalty area.
O’Neill’s players began attacking with greater purpose, lifting both the crowd and the volume inside the stadium. Dundee’s forward moves became less frequent and carried less threat, although Joe Bevan’s speed continued to trouble the home defence. In the 67th minute, Goodman dived low to his right to stop a long-range strike from Yang Hyun-jun.
Celtic continued to dictate the game, but concern returned as they failed to find a second goal and time ran down. In the 82nd minute, Sinisalo produced an excellent save to deny substitute Ashley Hay’s glancing header.
Høgh passed up another opportunity by sliding a shot wide from six yards. McGregor then struck the post from inside Dundee’s penalty area, with James Forrest curling the rebound away from goal.
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