Celtic got their Scottish Premiership title defense off to a perfect start with a hard-fought victory over Dundee. It was not a flashy performance, but securing all three points on the opening day is exactly what the champions needed. The decisive moment came courtesy of a fine header from Nygren, which proved to be the difference between the two sides. Getting a win in the first match of the season relieves a lot of pressure and sends a clear message to the rest of the league.

For much of the game, Dundee made things incredibly difficult for the hosts. They set up with a deep defensive block, frustrating Celtic’s midfielders and restricting their space to create chances. However, Celtic remained patient and kept probing. The breakthrough finally arrived when a well-delivered cross found Nygren in the penalty area. The forward showed great strength and timing to rise above the defenders and guide his header into the net. This moment of quality was enough to break Dundee’s stubborn resistance.

While Celtic will be happy with the win, the performance shows they still have areas to improve. They dominated possession but struggled at times to break down a well-organized opponent. However, winning when not playing at your best is the hallmark of champions. Nygren’s goal will give him huge confidence for the weeks ahead, and it shows that Celtic have different ways to score when their usual passing game is shut down. Defensively, they also looked solid, keeping a clean sheet and limiting Dundee to only a few counter-attacks.

Ultimately, this match was all about getting the job done. Dundee will feel disappointed to leave empty-handed after putting up such a brave fight, but they can take encouragement from how they pushed the champions. For Celtic, the focus now turns to building momentum. With the first three points secured, they have a solid foundation to build on as they look to defend their crown. It is a long season, but Celtic have taken their first successful step.

Read More at Sky Sports