Celtic Stage Late Comeback to Beat Besiktas in Europa League Thriller

Celtic came from behind to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over Besiktas at Celtic Park on Thursday, recording their first win in this season’s UEFA Europa League.

Substitute Camilo Duran scored twice in the closing stages after Callum Osmand had restored parity, helping Martin O’Neill’s side recover from a goal down to secure all three points.

The visitors took the lead in the 54th minute after Jordan Lotomba fouled Ernest Poku inside the penalty area.

Junior Olaitan stepped forward to take the resulting spot-kick, but Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone saved his effort. Olaitan reacted quickly to the rebound, however, and fired into the net to put Besiktas ahead.

Celtic responded through their substitutes shortly after the hour mark. Osmand, introduced alongside Duran and Colby Donovan, made an immediate impact by scoring with his first touch in the 62nd minute.

The forward received the ball from Callum McGregor and struck a low effort into the net to bring the hosts level.

Celtic continued to press for a winner, with Liam Scales coming close from a header before Duran completed the turnaround in the 78th minute.

Osmand played a through ball to the Colombian forward, who raced into the penalty area, rounded goalkeeper Alexander Nübel and calmly finished to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage.

Besiktas refused to surrender and restored parity in the 85th minute through captain Orkun Kökçü, who unleashed a powerful long-range effort into the bottom corner.

However, Celtic regained the lead just two minutes later when Duran collected a pass from Kieran Tierney and guided the ball into the net from close range to complete his brace.

The victory ended Celtic’s difficult start to the European campaign, having entered the encounter without a point from their opening three matches.

The Scottish side moved to three points after four games, while Besiktas remained on seven points, suffering their first defeat in the competition this season.

Celtic will next host Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, while Besiktas are scheduled to face Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Super Lig.