Celtic Leaves a Mark in Europe with O’Neill’s Last Stand

A Triumphant Finale

Martin O’Neill concluded his chapter with Celtic in European football on a high note, leading the team to a 3-1 victory against Feyenoord.

Match Highlights

The Scottish champions turned the game around with first-half goals from Yang Hyun-jun and Reo Hatate, and a third goal from substitute Benjamin Nygren secured the essential win, marking the start of their Europa League journey on a positive note.

Notably, this victory was Celtic’s first away win in European competition since their triumph over Ferencvaros four years ago and their first win in the Netherlands since O’Neill’s initial foray in charge, which was a 3-1 success against Ajax back in 2001.

O’Neill’s legacy at Celtic includes leading the team to the 2003 UEFA Cup final and notable victories over major clubs such as Juventus, Liverpool, and Barcelona during his five years at the helm.

A Shift in Leadership

As the 73-year-old prepares to step down, Wilfried Nancy is anticipated to take over before Roma’s visit to Celtic Park on December 11. This victory sets a solid foundation for the team, which now has seven points and will face Bologna and Utrecht in the competition’s league phase.

Match Overview

Celtic fielded Luke McCowan and Yang flanking Daizen Maeda up front. Early on, McCowan missed a significant opportunity, hitting the bar from close range after a corner taken by Arne Engels. Despite being flagged offside, VAR could have potentially overturned this decision, as the flick-on seemed to have come from a Feyenoord player.

Celtic fell behind in the 11th minute when a long ball caught them off guard. Centre-back Auston Trusty was out of position following a solo run, allowing Sem Steijn to assist Ayase Ueda for the opening goal.

Fan Atmosphere

The goal was met with a rain of red flares from outside De Kuip, where a section was closed due to UEFA sanctions for the use of fireworks. The home side pressed forward but missed another opportunity as Leo Sauer shot over from six yards.

Celtic struggled to gain control initially, with McCowan failing to redirect a cross from Yang. However, he redeemed himself by assisting Hatate’s equalizer in the 31st minute, where Hatate set up Yang for a close-range finish.

Turning the Tide

Before taking the lead, Celtic experienced two critical let-offs—first with Ueda’s shot being saved by Kasper Schmeichel and then a handball appeal against Callum McGregor being denied. Just before half-time, intense pressing led to Celtic’s second goal. Maeda’s charge forced Feyenoord’s goalkeeper into a mistake, allowing Hatate to score from 22 yards.

With the home fans silenced and the traveling supporters dominating the atmosphere, Celtic asserted control early in the second half. Although Engels’ free-kick was well saved, Feyenoord pressured Celtic and hit the bar with a header from Gaoussou Diarra.

A Clinching Moment

Despite the home side’s rising confidence, Colby Donovan’s attacking play created the decisive moment in the 82nd minute. Maeda disrupted Wellenreuther’s attempt to gather a low cross, leading to Nygren picking up the loose ball and scoring off the bar from eight yards out, sealing the win for Celtic.