Duran double sparks Celtic comeback against Besiktas
Substitutes Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran changed the match, while Kasper Hogh's struggles raise questions about Celtic's starting line-up.
Key points
- Celtic trailed Besiktas 1-0 at Parkhead before making two substitutions around the hour mark.
- Callum Osmand scored 43 seconds after coming on, levelling the match.
- Camilo Duran scored twice, the second a late winner after Orkun Kokcu had equalised.
- Duran's second goal gave Celtic their first Europa League win this season.
- Manager Martin O'Neill said the substitutions were part of the plan.
Celtic came from behind to beat Besiktas in the Europa League at Parkhead on Thursday. According to BBC Sport, the Glasgow club had been 1-0 down and were heading towards a fourth straight defeat in the competition this season.
Manager Martin O’Neill made two changes around the hour mark. Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran came on for Sebastian Tounekti and James Forrest out wide. Osmand needed only 43 seconds to strike his first touch into the bottom corner, levelling the match.
On 77 minutes O’Neill took off Kasper Hogh, the club record signing, and moved Duran into the middle. Osmand played him through with a well-judged pass, and the Colombian put Celtic ahead. Orkun Kokcu equalised for Besiktas with a strong strike, but Duran replied two minutes later.
Kieran Tierney’s scuffed shot fell to Duran, who finished from close range to give Celtic a late win.
Duran’s impact in the middle
BBC Sport reported figures that show a clear contrast between the two options. Hogh, signed from Bodo/Glimt in the summer for £11m, has gone without a goal in 16 of the 17 matches he has played for the club. Against Besiktas he had no shots in 77 minutes and only one touch in the opposition box.
Duran played about half an hour, but he scored twice, had two shots and registered four touches inside the box. O’Neill had said he was unsure of his best team. The report suggests Duran is now the strongest option through the middle.
BBC Sport analysis also suggests Hogh is likely to start on the bench in high-stakes games, given his price tag and recent performances.
Reaction from the manager and pundits
O’Neill rejected the suggestion that he should have started his best players earlier. He said the changes had been planned, pointing out that Celtic had played nine games in 25 days and some players needed a rest.
Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov, speaking on TNT Sports, said the substitutions changed the game. Hearts defender Craig Halkett said the situation would be difficult for Hogh, who must keep working hard and hope his form improves.
Osmand said the team had stayed strong and been rewarded. He added that his goal had caught him by surprise, but he was glad to have struck it cleanly.
Why the result matters
The win was Celtic’s first in the Europa League this season, ending a run of defeats. It also left the club with questions about team selection in the coming weeks.
BBC Sport noted that Duran’s double was the first by a Celtic substitute in Europe, excluding qualifiers, since Johannes Edvaldsson scored twice against Jeunesse d’Esch in the European Cup in September 1977.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score at the end of Celtic against Besiktas?
According to BBC Sport, Celtic came from 1-0 down to win the match. Camilo Duran scored the winning goal late in the game.
Why did Kasper Hogh come off against Besiktas?
Manager Martin Ou0026#039;Neill withdrew Hogh on 77 minutes, moving Duran into the middle. BBC Sport said Hogh had given another underwhelming display.
Was this Celticu0026#039;s first Europa League win this season?
Yes, BBC Sport reported that the victory over Besiktas was Celticu0026#039;s first Europa League win this season.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
