Celtic welcomed Dundee FC to Celtic Park on Monday night to conclude Round 1 of the 2026–27 Scottish Premiership season. The Celtic vs Dundee clash marked the start of Celtic’s league title defense as the reigning champions raised the championship flag before kick-off.
Under manager Martin O’Neill, Celtic entered the new campaign chasing a sixth consecutive Scottish Premiership title after completing a domestic double last season. Dundee, meanwhile, arrived full of confidence after an impressive Scottish League Cup group-stage campaign, where they scored 14 goals in four matches.
The Celtic vs Dundee encounter also offered both teams an early opportunity to build momentum for the new league season.
Celtic vs Dundee Match Preview
Celtic finished last season in outstanding form, lifting both the Scottish Premiership and domestic cup. Their pre-season campaign produced mixed results, including a 2–2 draw against AC Milan, but expectations remained high heading into the league opener.
Dundee had already gained valuable competitive minutes during the League Cup group stage, ending the competition with a convincing 4–0 victory over Clyde. Historically, however, the visitors have found this fixture difficult. Since 2003, Celtic have won 36 of the 37 meetings between the clubs, while Dundee have managed just one victory, with six matches ending in draws.
Team News and How to Watch
Celtic were without suspended defender Liam Scales, while new signing Kasper Høgh and forward Camilo Durán were expected to make an immediate impact.
Dundee missed Imari Samuels and Callum Jones through injury. Summer additions, including Alan Forrest and goalkeeper Owen Goodman, joined experienced striker Simon Murray in the squad.
Full-Time Update
Celtic opened their 2026-27 Scottish Premiership campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dundee, with Benjamin Nygren’s second-half header proving the difference after an entertaining contest.
Key Match Moments
9′ Chance – Celtic: Kasper Høgh capitalizes on a Dundee defensive error but shoots wide of the near post.
13′ Chance – Celtic: Benjamin Nygren’s low effort is redirected by Høgh, but the ball rolls harmlessly wide.
15′ Chance – Dundee: Charlie Reilly fires into the side-netting to register Dundee’s first clear opportunity.
34′ Save – Celtic: Owen Bevan’s header forces Viljami Sinisalo into his first save of the match.
38′ Chance – Celtic: Arne Engels heads wide after finding space inside the penalty area.
41′ Save – Dundee: Owen Goodman tips Kieran Tierney’s powerful low strike behind for a corner.
52′ Goal – Celtic 1-0 Dundee: Benjamin Nygren heads home from Kieran Tierney’s cross. VAR reviews and confirms the goal.
59′ Substitutions – Dundee: Ashley Hay replaces Simon Murray, while Finlay Robertson comes on for Charlie Reilly.
77′ Substitutions – Celtic: Sebastian Tounekti replaces Yang Hyun-jun, and James Forrest comes on for Camilo Durán.
79′ Substitutions – Dundee: Alan Forrest replaces Joe Bevan, while Bradley Halliday comes on for Drey Wright.
82′ Substitutions – Celtic: Luke McCowan replaces goalscorer Benjamin Nygren, and Colby Donovan comes on for Kieran Tierney.
87′ Woodwork – Celtic: Callum McGregor strikes the post with a powerful effort from the edge of the area.
89′ Save – Celtic: Viljami Sinisalo makes a superb diving save to deny Ashley Hay from close range.
90+1′ Yellow Card – Dundee: Ashley Hay is booked for a late tackle during a Celtic counterattack.
90+2′ Yellow Card – Celtic: Arne Engels receives a yellow card for a tactical foul.
90+5′ Full-Time: Celtic secure a 1-0 victory over Dundee to begin their Scottish Premiership season with all three points.
Celtic vs Dundee Results Today: Scottish Premiership Live Score, Updates, Stats