Brilliant Baur, Deadly Duran and Outstanding Osmand
A well earned win under the Paradise lights as Celtic overcome adversity to deservedly beat Besiktas…
Celtic finally got off the mark in their Europa League campaign by defeating Turkish high-flyers Besiktas 3-2 in an entertaining match under at Paradise.
Martin O’Neill surprised a few folk by naming James Forrest in a three man attack alongside Kasper Hogh and Sebastian Tounekti, as well as handing Jordan Lotomba a rare start at right back at the expense of Colby Donovan, and it seemed to most that he’d given up all hope of advancing on the European stage.
To be fair to the players they stuck to the task and showed some grit and determination, something they’ve been lacking in a while, but it looked like the same old story when the Turkish side opened the scoring from the penalty rebound ten minutes into the second period after Lotomba mistimed a challenge just inside the box.
Sam Johnstone saved Olaitan’s effort but the Besiktas front man tucked home the rebound to silence the home crowd, and suddenly we all feared the worst.
But credit to the Celtic players who reacted positively after going a goal behind, as they frantically went in search of an equaliser which duly arrived courtesy of substitute Callum Osmand who scored with his first touch just 43 seconds after being brought on to give the Bhoys a well deserved equaliser, and now it was well and truly game on.
The introduction of Osmand and Camilo Duran rejuvenated the hoops in an attacking sense, and it was the Colombian who fired Celtic in front with just twelve minutes remaining with a unlikely victory now looking like a realistic prospect.
It’s never plain sailing with Celtic though, and the Turkish side equalised on the 85th minute thanks to a superb outside of the box effort from Kokcu, and Celtic Park was silenced once again, apart from the visiting supporters who celebrated wildly. Celtic soon burst that Turkish delight turning it into despair.
The atmosphere changed once again just two minutes later when that man Duran struck from close range with what proved to be the winner, and sent the Celtic support home with a much needed smile on their faces.
There’s still much needed work to be done if we want to advance from the group stage, but this was a win of vital importance, and one that will give us some much needed confidence after some woeful performances of late.
How good was Mika Baur? Outstanding and a worthy choice as Man of the Match.
