Benjamin Nygren's second-half header gave Celtic a 1-0 win over Dundee in their opening match of the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership season, played at Celtic Park on 3 August.

It was Flag Night at Paradise — the traditional curtain-raiser where the defending champions unfurl the title flag before kick-off in front of their home crowd. Celtic, as reigning Scottish Premiership winners, had that honour, and they marked the occasion with all three points, according to the club's official match report (Celtic FC).

The winning goal came early in the second half. Nygren met a cross with his head to break the deadlock, as confirmed by both Celtic's report and Dundee's own match summary (Dundee FC). For a side chasing a title repeat, a clean sheet and a narrow win on the opening night is a foundation laid, if not a statement made.

Celtic's captain, Callum McGregor, came closest before Nygren's goal, striking the post. But the night's talking point was Kasper Høgh, Celtic's club-record signing, who missed a string of chances across the match (Sky Sports). A striker signed for a record fee carries a particular weight of expectation; a blank on debut, however undeserved, invites the chatter that comes with the price tag.

The wider context — a new Danish striker finding his feet, a captain hitting the woodwork, a Norwegian winger heading the winner — only matters once the season takes shape. For now, Celtic are up and running. Dundee leave Glasgow with nothing but a performance to build on.

The Premiership season stretches thirty-eight matches. One-nil on Flag Night is a start, no more and no less. The real questions, as ever, come later.