Dundee United 0–4 Celtic: Match Report

Celtic delivered an impressive performance at Tannadice on Saturday, August 15, 2026, securing a convincing 4–0 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup. The win sent the Hoops through to the quarter-finals, although the final scoreline perhaps flattered Celtic given that Dundee United struck the woodwork five times without scoring.

Celtic Punish United’s Early Pressure

Dundee United began the contest with plenty of attacking intent and twice struck the same post during the opening 15 minutes. Celtic weathered that early pressure before taking control with two goals in quick succession.

⚽ 22′ — Auston Trusty breaks the deadlock

Celtic took the lead in the 22nd minute.

Benjamin Nygren swung a corner in from the right, with Auston Trusty attacking the delivery at the near post. The American defender redirected the ball with a clever header, sending it beyond goalkeeper Jack Walton and into the net.

Dundee United 0–1 Celtic.

⚽ 24′ — Camilo Durán makes it two

Celtic doubled their advantage less than two minutes later.

Nygren and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain combined during the move, while Kasper Høgh helped create uncertainty inside the United box. The ball eventually reached Camilo Durán, who reacted quickly before lifting a low finish beyond the advancing Walton.

The goal marked Durán’s first competitive strike for Celtic following his three pre-season goals.

Dundee United 0–2 Celtic.

Despite falling two goals behind, United continued to threaten and had already gone close several times during an entertaining opening period.

Celtic Take Complete Control After the Break

Dundee United continued to create openings following half-time, but Celtic showed greater ruthlessness when chances presented themselves.

⚽ 54′ — Sebastian Tounekti adds a third

The visitors increased their advantage in the 54th minute.

Benjamin Nygren found Sebastian Tounekti, who moved inside from his position before shifting the ball onto his right foot. He then sent a low effort towards goal that wrong-footed Walton.

Dundee United 0–3 Celtic.

United were unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet themselves, with Bert Esselink subsequently heading against the crossbar.

⚽ 63′ — Benjamin Nygren completes the rout

Celtic’s fourth arrived in the 63rd minute.

This time, Tounekti turned provider, playing the ball into the path of Nygren. The Swedish attacker finished confidently with his left foot, giving Celtic a four-goal cushion.

Dundee United 0–4 Celtic.

That effectively put the contest beyond United’s reach.

United Unlucky in Front of Goal

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Dundee United created enough opportunities to make Celtic uncomfortable.

The hosts hit the woodwork five times during the match. Julius Eskesen struck the post with an early first-time attempt, while Emmanuel Agyei also hit the same upright.

Later in the game, Zachary Sapsford struck the bar, Esselink headed against the crossbar and Mehdi Merghem also found the woodwork.

Celtic therefore had some anxious moments despite eventually winning by four goals.

New Celtic Arrivals Make Competitive Debuts

The match also offered Martin O’Neill the opportunity to introduce some of Celtic’s summer recruits.

Mika Baur came on in the 59th minute for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make his competitive debut for the club.

Haissem Hassan followed in the 71st minute, replacing Tounekti and also making his first competitive appearance for Celtic.

O’Neill also managed his squad with the Champions League play-off against LASK approaching, taking off Trusty, Nygren and Høgh in the 68th minute.

Goal Timeline

Match Verdict

Celtic’s 4–0 triumph demonstrated their efficiency in front of goal. Dundee United had opportunities and repeatedly hit the woodwork, but Celtic were far more clinical when their chances arrived.

Trusty’s opener settled the visitors before Durán struck less than two minutes later. Tounekti then extended Celtic’s lead shortly after half-time, while Nygren’s goal completed an emphatic victory.

The result gives O’Neill’s side valuable momentum heading into their upcoming European assignment against LASK. It was also a productive afternoon for the club’s summer additions, with Baur and Hassan both making their competitive debuts.

Final Result

Dundee United 0–4 Celtic

Goals: Auston Trusty 22′, Camilo Durán 24′, Sebastian Tounekti 54′, Benjamin Nygren 63′
Competition: Scottish League Cup
Venue: Tannadice Park
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Result: Celtic progress to the quarter-finals.