Martin O’Neill shares special moment with Celtic players after dramatic Besiktas victory

Martin O’Neill was visibly delighted after Celtic secured a dramatic 3-2 Europa League victory over Besiktas at Celtic Park, sharing several memorable moments with his coaching staff and players at the final whistle.

Footage circulating on X captured the Celtic manager embracing Mark Fotheringham before sharing another hug with fellow coach Stephen McManus as the backroom staff celebrated an important European result.

O’Neill subsequently made his way onto the pitch, where he exchanged words with Mika Baur and match-winner Camilo Durán.

Kieran Tierney also received a warm embrace from his manager, while Liam Scales was similarly congratulated following the impressive comeback.

The celebrations reflected the importance of a victory that looked unlikely for much of the evening, particularly after Celtic struggled to create meaningful opportunities during the opening 45 minutes.

The Hoops had failed to register a shot on target before the interval and found themselves trailing when Junior Olaitan converted the rebound after Sam Johnstone had saved his penalty.

However, O’Neill’s decision to introduce Callum Osmand and Camilo Durán in the 61st minute completely transformed the contest.

Osmand made an immediate impact, finding the net with his first touch after collecting a pass from Callum McGregor to bring Celtic level.

The substitute then turned provider, setting up Durán for the second goal. The Colombian forward made a clever run beyond the Besiktas defence, rounded goalkeeper Alexander Nübel and calmly finished to put the Scottish champions in front.

Celtic’s advantage was eventually cancelled out when Orkun Kökçü found the net in the 86th minute, seemingly setting up another frustrating European evening for the hosts.

But Durán had other ideas.

Just a minute after Besiktas equalised, the striker struck again to restore Celtic’s lead and complete a remarkable turnaround.

Tierney played an important role in the winning goal, with his effort finding Durán inside the penalty area. The striker controlled the ball, adjusted his position and produced the finish that sent Celtic Park into celebration.

His brace secured Celtic their first three points of the Europa League league phase after three previous defeats.

Martin O’Neill reacts to Celtic’s comeback victory

Speaking to BBC Sport after the final whistle, O’Neill was full of praise for his players following their determination to turn the game around.

The experienced manager described their performance as a credit to the club, highlighting the character they showed after falling behind.

“They were a credit to the football club and can’t get a bigger accolade than that.”

O’Neill also acknowledged the enormous influence of his substitutes, particularly Osmand and Durán, whose introduction proved decisive in changing the outcome.

“Substitutes made a big, big difference as well too. We’ve got a lot of players up front but I was just delighted with the whole team.”

For Celtic, the victory represented more than just three points. It was a much-needed European response, and the celebrations involving O’Neill, his coaching staff and the players illustrated just how much the result meant to everyone at the club.