Celtic bounced back from another painful Champions League qualifying elimination with a commanding 2-1 victory over Falkirk at home, thanks to a striking display from Colombian forward Camilo Duran.
Just days after crashing out of the Champions League in embarrassing fashion — despite holding a 3-0 first-leg advantage and taking a lead on the night — the Hoops saw themselves thrashed 5-1 by Austrian side LASK on Tuesday. The result only intensified frustration among Celtic supporters, who once again directed their anger toward the club's board for not bolstering the squad despite enormous financial reserves.
Any unrest was quickly silenced by a blistering start from Celtic, who claimed another three points to maintain an unbeaten domestic record. Nine points from three games sits them atop the Scottish Premiership.
Duran, one of three attacking reinforcements brought in during the summer, continues to justify his place among them. Now on five goals for the season, the former Qarabag striker opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, capitalizing on a costly error by his former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain to roll the ball into an empty net.
He doubled Celtic's advantage just before the half-hour mark, converting Kieran Tierney's cross with ease.
However, the physical toll of midweek extra-time eventually told. Falkirk grew into the second half and found themselves back in contention when Colby Donovan's own goal cut the deficit with 18 minutes remaining, setting up a nerve-wracking finish at Celtic Park.
Elsewhere in Scottish football, Hearts were the sole bright spot for Scotland's clubs in European competition, becoming the only team among five Scottish sides to progress as they defeated Rapid Vienna to reach the UEFA Conference League proper.
Domestically, the Jambos moved into second place with a 2-1 comeback win over St. Johnstone. James Wilson's opener and an Enes Alic own goal put them in control before Ruari Paton scored a late consolation.
Dundee United made it a winning week too, hammering Kilmarnock 4-0 despite manager Jim Goodwin missing the match on health grounds.
Rangers, meanwhile, remain eight points behind leaders Celtic and will look to end their winless run when they travel to face Aberdeen on Sunday.