Miracles CAN happen for Celtic when you have a magician like Martin O’Neill at the helm
Mark McGowan 
(Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Feyenoord 1 – Celtic 3 – A fitting Euro farewell for O’Neill
Celtic hauled themselves off the canvas in stunning fashion last night.
This was Martin O’Neill’s last European game in management and it turned out to be one to remember.
Having went 1 down early on, Celtic displayed sufficient fight, skill and ruthlessness to eventually secure a 3-1 victory in Rotterdam.
It’s not quite one foot in the knock-outs but the picture looks a lot brighter this morning.
It was a deserved victory and a shot in the arm for a squad of players, brow beaten by criticism and turmoil this season.
It started in predictably eye – rolling fashion.
After a promising start Celtic were undone by a long ball in behind in the 12th minute. A neat touch and pass, was collected and finished clinically by Ueda.
Caught sleeping again.
The team dusted themselves down though, tentatively regaining control.
A goal from Yang in the 32nd minute, was well crafted and sparked further life into the team.
Luke McCowan who impressed in an improvised right wing position, clipped a neat ball into the path of a smart run by Hatate.
His lobbed back post cross fell perfectly for the South Korean, who volleyed home from close range.
All square.
This further galvanised Celtic.
Belief stirred and sustained possession, turned into momentum.
The pressing and industry of Maeda caused panic in the Feyenoord defence.
Having hesitated for a second their keeper was caught on the ball.
His attempt at a clearance was blocked by Maeda, causing it to ricochet to Hatate, who slide the ball all home into an empty net from 20 yards out.
From doldrums to delight.
Celtic were now on top and thirsty for more.
Whilst it may be forgotten in the furore, this was an accomplished performance on and off the ball.
The second half began with a spell of possession from Celtic which was slick, rehearsed and confident.
A welcome departure from the second – guessed nature of their play this season.
Hatate put on a commanding display throughout, working in tandem with McGregor and the maturing Arne Engels.
It’s hard to pick out individuals from such a well coordinated team performance.
The right hand side of Colby Donovan and Luke McCowan deserve praise though.
Celtic have looked completely redundant on this side but their combinations and skill provided a far better balance.
The 19 year old has a great frame for the position and gets tight quickly. His knack of timing in the challenge is also a big attribute.
Going forward, Donovan has surely won, the battle to deputise in Alastair Johnstone’s absence.
Nygren replaced McCowan in the 63rd minute.
Tounetki and Murray came on for Yang and Tierney at the 70th minute mark.
This meant Scales shifted to left-back and Murray slotted into centre half.
Not ideal but the players stuck to their task.
Feyenoord eventually gathered themselves to produce a period of pressure but their play was hopeful rather than incisive.
Set for a nervy finish, Celtic had other ideas.
A daring run and attempted cross by Donovan caused confusion in the Feyenoord box.
Maeda beat the goalkeeper to the ball again at the near post.
He finally produced a concise and measured touch, back into the path of substitute Benjamin Nygren.
The Swede controlled the ball into his stride before finishing emphatically.
Lashing the ball in off the cross bar from 10 yards.
In a trying season it was a moment celebrate.
Players ran to the bench in collective jubilation.
The game was done.
A vital 3 points that turns this European campaign on its head.
The Celtic fans sang with gusto as the De Kuip emptied.
“This is the day, this is the day”
There was no hiding O’Neill’s delight post match.
Quote —- It’s really big, I must admit. I’m obviously thrilled for the team… Just to win away from home, but to win in Feyenoord is just terrific.
O’Neill stated that upon taking the job that his primary role was “restoration of confidence”.
The elder statesman proved last night that miracles can happen at Celtic.
Especially when you have a magician like him on the touchline.
Objective complete.
Key Takeaways
- Celtic staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Feyenoord 3-1 in Martin O’Neill’s last European match as manager.
- Despite starting with an early goal against them, Celtic regained confidence and took control of the game.
- Hatate played a pivotal role, scoring one goal and assisting another to lead the team’s performance.
- Substitutes contributed significantly, with Nygren scoring a decisive third goal to secure the victory.
- This win greatly enhances Celtic’s chances in their European campaign, lifting team spirits and fan morale.
A good positive report on the game, the players and our revered Martin O’Neill.
A few Bloggers tried to muddy his name and smear him as one of the Board.
He genuinely loves the club and wants the present situation resolved.How fortunate we are that he agreed to help us out.