Celtic 3–2 Besiktas: could three second-half goals kickstart our season?

Celtic’s 3–2 win over Besiktas has left me feeling something this morning that has been missing lately: hope.

Three second-half goals, two from Camilo Durán, rescued our European campaign from another damaging night. However, it was the way Celtic responded that really lifted me. We showed urgency, attacking quality and the courage to keep going when the game threatened to slip away.

After recent disappointments, that felt significant. For once, we have a performance to build on.

Celtic 3–2 Besiktas: how the match turned

The opening half offered little indication of the drama ahead. Benjamin Nygren shot wide after Sebastian Tounekti created an early opening, but Celtic struggled to turn promising moments into sustained pressure.

James Forrest tested Alexander Nübel early in the second half. Then came the setback.

Jordan Lotomba fouled Ernest Poku inside the penalty area. Sam Johnstone saved Junior Olaitan’s spot-kick, only for the Besiktas player to follow up and score the rebound.

At that point, another miserable European evening looked possible.

Instead, Martin O’Neill changed the game. Callum Osmand, Durán and Colby Donovan arrived around the hour, giving Celtic fresh energy and a different attacking threat.

Osmand’s impact was immediate. Callum McGregor seized on a loose pass and found the substitute, who buried his first touch to bring Celtic level.

Suddenly, there was life in us.

Liam Scales then threatened with a header, while Donovan’s cross-field pass helped create another opening for Nygren. Celtic were asking more questions and giving the visitors more to worry about.

Durán subsequently moved through the middle and delivered. Osmand released him behind the defence, and the Colombian rounded Nübel before finishing.

Orkun Kökçü’s late strike dragged Besiktas level again. Yet Celtic answered almost immediately, with Durán guiding home Tierney’s effort for the winner.

That response was the most encouraging moment of all.

Durán, Baur and Donovan give us reasons to believe

Durán was on fire. His movement and composure gave us the cutting edge that turned an improved performance into three points.

Before kick-off, our look at the Turkish press’s Celtic danger men highlighted his threat running behind defenders. Last night, he showed exactly why opponents should worry about him.

Osmand deserves enormous credit too. A goal and an assist from the bench is a serious contribution.

Meanwhile, I thought Mika Baur was excellent. O’Neill clearly agreed, telling Sky Sports: “wee Mika Baur was magnificent for us in the middle of the pitch.”

Donovan’s contribution also pleased me. He came into a difficult European game and helped Celtic move forward. His involvement in the move that created Nygren’s chance offered a clear example.

These are the positives supporters need: players taking responsibility and showing what they can contribute.

Can Celtic make this the start of something?

There is still work to do. We conceded twice, and the first half lacked the attacking purpose we found later.

Nevertheless, I am much more hopeful today. Celtic scored three times after the interval and responded to both Besiktas goals. That gives the manager something concrete to develop.

As O’Neill said afterwards: “We’ve given ourselves a chance because of the result.”

Our Europa League play-off hopes now have life again. The next challenge is to carry that second-half energy into our domestic performances.

Could this be the kickstart our season needs?

This morning, I can see a reason to believe it might.

Key takeaways

• Durán’s double and Osmand’s instant impact secured Celtic’s first league-phase points.
• Baur and Donovan provided further reasons for encouragement.
• Celtic now need to turn this comeback into consistent performances.