Celtic's Late Comeback Secures 3-2 Europa League Win Over Besiktas

What happened

Celtic came from behind to beat Besiktas 3-2 in the Europa League, a result Sky Sports reported as breathing life into the club's campaign and sparing them a fifth consecutive European defeat, which the outlet said would have been a first in the club's history. Martin O'Neill's substitutions were central to the turnaround, with Sky Sports describing the introductions of Callum Osmand, Camilo Duran and Colby Donovan just after the hour as a masterstroke.

Report details

Besiktas had taken the lead from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute, when Jordan Lotomba's challenge on Ernest Poku prompted the referee to point to the spot. Sam Johnstone saved Junior Olaitan's penalty but pushed the ball back out, and Olaitan tapped in the rebound. Until then Celtic's best moment had been a James Forrest shot on target two minutes earlier, kept out by Alexander Nubel. Sky Sports' timeline also noted earlier chances for both sides, including Sebastian Tounekti setting up Benjamin Nygren, Cameron Carter-Vickers blocking Leandro Trossard, and Kasper Hogh waiting for a Tounekti cross that was diverted for a corner.

The changes paid off almost immediately. Osmand scored with his first touch in the 65th minute to level the game, and in the 79th he turned provider, passing for Duran to round the goalkeeper and put Celtic ahead. Besiktas responded five minutes from time when substitute Orkun Kokcu struck from around 25 yards into the bottom corner. Two minutes later, Duran restored the lead, taking the ball from Kieran Tierney before poking it into the net.

Sky Sports reported that Celtic remain in the bottom 12 of the Europa League table but, with four games left, still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages. The outlet's match commentary questioned where the second-half performance had been for the past two months, noting that quality, desire and running power had returned, and highlighted Duran's two goals and Osmand's goal and assist while asking whether the changes were inspired or the starting team was wrong.

O'Neill, quoted by Sky Sports, said the result had given Celtic a chance and that the team had come through a difficult game "with flying colours," adding that he had told the players they were a credit to the football club. He said Celtic were doing fine after the penalty went in but came roaring back, and that the substitutes made a big difference with pace up front. He called it a terrific win in every aspect against a very fine side, praised Tierney and the back four, said Donovan has a massive heart and called Mika Baur magnificent in midfield, and noted that Osmand scored with his first touch and that Duran has been fabulous all season regardless of where he plays.