Celtic striker Camilo Duran scored twice in a Champions League qualifying win against LASK at Parkhead as Rangers midfielder Cammy Devlin received a red card. The contrasting European performances over twenty-four hours highlighted two different approaches to displaying attitude on the pitch. Celtic secured a 3-0 victory behind Duran's masterclass, while Rangers were left facing a difficult return fixture in Conference League qualifying following Devlin's sending-off against Czech side Jablonec.
Duran delivered a standout display during Celtic's match against Austrian side LASK, scoring a spectacular volley to cap a two-goal performance. Meanwhile, Devlin was sent off just five minutes after coming on as a substitute during Rangers' first-leg tie against Czech team Jablonec at Ibrox, leaving his side vulnerable despite holding a 1-0 lead.
Camilo Duran shines in Champions League win
Duran, a twenty-four-year-old Colombian forward who joined Celtic from Azerbaijani club Qarabag, spearheaded his team's attack from an unaccustomed position on the right wing. Despite a difficult opening eighteen minutes against Austrian club LASK at Parkhead, during which a shot on the turn was saved, another effort went wide, and he failed to control the ball under pressure from defender George Bello, Duran maintained his concentration without letting his head go down.
The forward responded with a dominant performance, scoring twice, including a spectacular volley, to take the hard-fought encounter by the scruff of the neck through sheer application and focus. Rather than engaging in histrionics, reacting to opposition players, or playing to the gallery, Duran set standards for his teammates to follow.
His relentless work rate drew praise from both teammates and management. Celtic captain Callum McGregor highlighted Duran tracking back ninety metres to defend when Celtic were already leading 3-0. Manager Martin O'Neill noted that Duran performed his own role on the right wing while also taking on a significant portion of right-back Colby Donovan's defensive duties.
Duran arrived in Glasgow via Portugal and Azerbaijan, having played in the Portuguese district leagues just four years ago before joining Qarabag as a centre-forward. After being deployed out of position by O'Neill, he earned man-of-the-match honors and made clear he is willing to play anywhere for the team. Alongside fellow forward Kasper Hogh, Duran's positive effect has lifted the atmosphere in the Celtic dressing room.
Cammy Devlin sent off in Conference League tie
In contrast, Devlin endured a difficult evening for Rangers during their Conference League play-off first leg against Jablonec at Ibrox. With Rangers leading 1-0 and pushing to score a second goal, Devlin entered as a substitute but was shown a straight red card after just five minutes on the pitch when his boot made clear contact with the shin of Jiri Slama.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes defended the midfielder after the match, stating that Devlin was likely trying to initiate contact with the opponent to win a penalty rather than acting maliciously. However, the horrendous misjudgment and lack of focus left Rangers to defend their narrow lead with ten men, creating anxiety ahead of a disquieting return leg.
Devlin moved to Rangers from fellow Scottish Premiership side Hearts, making his debut as a substitute against French club St Etienne. In a subsequent goalless pre-season friendly against English Premier League side West Ham United at Ibrox, his energetic and aggressive style delighted supporters. He got up close to opponent Taty Castellanos, played the innocent party to referee Don Robertson, and charged around midfield before exiting with a minor knock following a full-blooded tackle. Fans cheered his commitment, asking each other: "What's wee Devlin like?"
Discipline concerns and Rangers team leadership
However, Devlin's combative approach has led to discipline issues during competitive matches. From his first two starts in the Scottish Premiership, he sits near the top of the league lists for fouls committed. His European red card has brought swift criticism from supporters, presenting a significant mental challenge as he attempts to establish himself in Glasgow.
The contrasting displays come as Rangers search for greater control and leadership. For several seasons, the Ibrox side has faced criticism for lacking character, retreating into themselves, and losing mental resilience during difficult moments. While McInnes hopes that high-ticket attacking signings will provide a much-needed injection of attitude, the recent performances of Duran and Devlin illustrate that true personality is shown through steady discipline rather than overt aggression.
Celtic remain in a commanding position both domestically and in European competition, with their overall goal threat suggesting the Scottish Premiership title race could be decided early. Rangers must now regroup for their return fixture against Jablonec while Devlin works to ensure he is remembered for his quality rather than written off as a liability.
