Celtic executed a stunning comeback to defeat Feyenoord 3-1 in a high-stakes Europa League clash at De Kuip on Thursday night, cementing Martin O'Neill’s interim tenure with a landmark European road victory before his impending departure. The Glasgow giants overturned Ayase Ueda’s 11th-minute opener through second-half goals from Hyun Jun Yang, Reo Hatate, and Benjamin Nygren, securing their first win on Dutch soil since 2001 and breathing life into their continental campaign.
Feyenoord seized control early when Sem Steijn fed Ueda to slot past Kasper Schmeichel after Auston Trusty’s risky forward run left defensive gaps. Celtic’s response nearly backfired as Luke McCowan blazed over from close range following a corner, but the visitors grew into the contest. McCowan redeemed himself by launching a precise cross-field pass that set up Yang’s 31st-minute equalizer, deflecting home from Hatate’s acrobatic assist at the far post. Feyenoord pressed for a quick retort with Ueda forcing a Schmeichel save and drawing unheeded penalty appeals for a handball, only for Celtic to stun the hosts before halftime. Daizen Maeda charged down Timon Wellenreuther’s clearance, allowing Hatate to unleash a thunderous 22-yard strike into the net.
Despite Feyenoord’s intensified second-half pressure—including Gaoussou Diarra rattling the crossbar with a header—the Scottish side absorbed waves of attacks before sealing victory in the 82nd minute. Colby Donovan’s persistent low cross disrupted Wellenreuther’s collection attempt, falling perfectly for substitute Nygren to smash under the bar from eight yards. The win came amid chaotic scenes as flares rained onto the pitch following Feyenoord’s early goal, with UEFA having shut one stand due to prior fireworks violations.
O'Neill, who managed Celtic’s last Rotterdam victory in 2001, hailed the performance as transformative for his squad’s psyche: "This result restores belief—they now know they can compete at this level away from home," the 73-year-old stated. "My family urged me to seize the moment tonight, and the lads delivered magnificently. I’ll savor this before focusing on Sunday’s derby, but these points define everything." He confirmed plans to brief incoming manager Wilfried Nancy on leveraging Celtic’s "big-winning" core squad.
The victory lifts Celtic to seven points with one group match remaining, guaranteeing at least a playoff berth. Feyenoord’s campaign, meanwhile, remains in tatters with just three points from five fixtures—a single win separating them from elimination. For O'Neill, the night represented a flawless curtain call: a European trophy contender reborn under his temporary stewardship, silencing Dutch doubters four years after their last continental road triumph.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
Be the first to comment on this article!