Rotterdam, Netherlands - November 27: Reo Hatate of Celtic FC celebrates with Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC after scoring his teams second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Feyenoord Rotterdam and Celtic FC at De Kuip on November 27, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Celtic produced their best performance of the season to beat Feyenoord 3-1 in the Europa League.
The victory breathes fresh life into their European campaign with seven points from five matches.
Roma, Bologna and Utrecht will provide tough opposition but last night in Rotterdam was more than three points.
MAGIC OF HATATE
Martin O’Neill made three changes to the side that laboured to a 1-0 win over St Mirren on Saturday but the team was transformed.
Reo Hatate found the pockets of space and creativity that have been mainly elusive this season. Inspiring Celtic to turn around going behind in the 11th minute into a half-time lead.
Being 2-1 up didn’t flatter Celtic with both goals the result of confident pressing and converting chances.
After the break Celtic pressed for a third goal. The home fans were nervous and frustrated as they watched the visitors dominate.
NYGREN CLINCHES IT
Feyenoord did push strongly for an equaliser late in the second half. From a flurry of corners one header came off the bar. Celtic rode their luck to an extent but sealed the match with a brilliant move.
Callum McGregor sent Colby Donovan chasing down the right wing in the 82nd minute. His low pass into the goalmouth was met by Daizen Maeda whose cushioned lay off was brilliantly finished by Ben Nygren, firing into the roof of the net.
Four minutes of stoppage time were played but Celtic were strong throughout as they delivered an away win.
With Kelechi Iheanacho, Marcelo Saracchi and James Forrest coming back to fitness things could be looking up.
Sunday, away to Hibs looks likely to be Martin O’Neill’s final match in charge with Wilfried Nancy set to take over.
The incoming manager then faces a testing run of fixtures. Following a home match against Dundee on December 3 there is an eight day period of matches against Hearts, Roma and the LeagueCup Final against St Mirren.
