Celtic's Dutch Delight as O'Neill's Men Secure Famous Victory
While Christmas markets flourished in Rotterdam's city centre, it was Celtic who delivered an early festive gift to their travelling supporters with a stunning 3-1 comeback victory against Feyenoord in the Europa League. Interim manager Martin O'Neill rolled back the years to mastermind a performance that echoed his most celebrated European nights from his first spell in charge.
Turning the Tide in De Kuip
The match began ominously for the Scottish side when Feyenoord's Japanese striker Ayase Ueda continued his impressive scoring form, slotting home after just 11 minutes to give the hosts an early lead. The goal came from a swift counter-attack that sliced through Celtic's defence, with captain Sem Steijn providing the assist for Ueda's 13th goal in 18 matches.
Rather than capitulate as they had in previous European away fixtures, Celtic grew into the game. Their persistence paid off just after the half-hour mark when Yang Hyun-jun arrived at the back post to volley home from Reo Hatate's cross, sending the travelling supporters into raptures.
The turnaround was completed shortly before half-time when Daizen Maeda's relentless pressing forced Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther into a costly error. The ball fell to Reo Hatate, who displayed excellent technique to guide his first-time finish into the empty net.
Sealing a Memorable Triumph
The second half saw Celtic demonstrate maturity and control rarely shown in recent European campaigns. Despite Feyenoord hitting the crossbar through Gaoussou Diarra, the Scottish champions largely dominated possession, at one point passing the ball around with such confidence that frustrated home fans began jeering their own team.
The victory was sealed with eight minutes remaining when substitute Benjamin Nygren powered a spectacular strike in off the underside of the crossbar, confirming Celtic's first European away win in four years and ending a run of 15 matches without success on the road.
Significance and Aftermath
This result marks a significant moment for Celtic, reviving a European campaign that had appeared destined for early elimination. With games remaining against Roma, Bologna and FC Utrecht, Celtic now have genuine hope of progressing from their group.
The match was played in a partially-empty De Kuip stadium, with almost 10,000 fewer fans in attendance due to UEFA sanctions against Feyenoord for previous pyrotechnic displays. This created a less hostile atmosphere than usual, though Celtic's supporters made their presence felt throughout.
For O'Neill, this victory serves as a perfect farewell before he hands over managerial duties to Wilfried Nancy following Sunday's match at Hibernian. The interim boss had previously emphasised the need for a squad rebuild to compete in Europe, but his makeshift side delivered a performance that harkened back to his most successful period at the club.
The defeat increases pressure on Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie, whose team has now won only once in their last six matches. As Celtic fans celebrated a famous victory that will live long in the memory, the Dutch legend faced a chorus of boos from the remaining home supporters at full-time.
