Celtic overcome Besiktas 3-2 in dramatic Europa League comeback

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 6 Nov, 00:27 · Archive

Celtic came from behind to beat Besiktas 3-2 at home, with substitutes Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran scoring to secure their first Europa League win.

Celtic secured a 3-2 home victory over Besiktas in the Europa League after a dramatic second-half comeback that provided much-needed relief for the Scottish champions.

Junior Olaitan's goal from a penalty rebound in the 54th minute had put Besiktas ahead and appeared to condemn Celtic to a fourth consecutive defeat in the competition. Manager Martin O'Neill responded by making triple substitutions just after the hour, introducing Callum Osmand, Camilo Duran and Colby Donovan.

Osmand made an immediate impact, equalising with his first touch after just 43 seconds on the pitch. The 20-year-old then provided an assist for Duran, who was moved to a central position, to put Celtic ahead in the 78th minute. Orkun Kokcu equalised for Besiktas with a low drive from distance in the 85th minute, but Duran had the final word, controlling a shot from Kieran Tierney and scoring from close range in the 87th minute.

O'Neill said the atmosphere reminded him of his first spell in charge at the turn of the millennium when Celtic had famous wins over continental sides. He urged his players to focus on reaching the knockout stages, with Celtic now in 32nd place in the Europa League table with four games remaining.

The BBC noted that Duran's performance through the middle suggests he may be Celtic's best option in that position, following O'Neill's decision to withdraw Kasper Hogh, the club's record signing, during the match. This was only the second time since 1977 that a Celtic substitute had scored twice in a European match outside the qualifying rounds.

How it is being reported

• Duran & Osmand spark Celtic into life - but where does that leave Hogh?Martin O'Neill has previously said he is unsure of his best team, but it is now obvious that Camilo Duran is Celtic's best option through the middle.BBC News · 6 Nov, 00:10
• Martin O'Neill tells Celtic to keep believing they can reach Europa League knockouts after stirring revivalMartin O'Neill urged Celtic to focus on making it to the knockout stage of the Europa League after a comeback against Besiktas that reminded him of the glory days against the elite.Daily Mail Sport · 5 Nov, 23:35
• CELTIC RATINGS: Star turns emerge from the bench to save the day but how many of Martin O'Neill's starting XI earned pass marks? Very few...Substitutes Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran sparked Celtic into life as the Scottish champions got off the mark in the Europa League in a 3-2 victory over Besiktas.Daily Mail Sport · 5 Nov, 23:30
• CELTIC 3 BESIKTAS 2: Duran and Osmand make the difference from the bench as O'Neill's men roar back to claim precious victoryBy the time the Celtic players had reacquainted themselves with the concept of a lap of honour on a European night,Daily Mail Sport · 5 Nov, 22:33
• Celtic claim dramatic Europa League win against BesiktasMartin O'Neill's inspired substitutions saw Celtic come from behind to breathe life into their Europa League campaign with a much-needed 3-2 home victory over Besiktas.Sky Sports · 5 Nov, 22:00

In this story: Celtic · Besiktas · Martin O'Neill · Camilo Duran · Callum Osmand · Junior Olaitan · Orkun Kokcu · Celtic Park

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