Celtic come from behind to beat Besiktas 3-2 in a wild Europa League night

Celtic were minutes from making unwanted history. Instead, they turned a Europa League night around and beat Besiktas 3-2 at Celtic Park on Thursday.

It is the Scottish club's first win in this season's competition. And it came thanks to some bold changes from manager Martin O'Neill.

What happened?

The first half was goalless, with chances for Benjamin Nygren and Kasper Hogh but no breakthrough. Then, just after the break, Jordan Lotomba lunged in on Ernest Poku and the referee pointed to the spot.

Sam Johnstone saved Junior Olaitan's penalty. Olaitan, though, tapped in the rebound in the 54th minute.

O'Neill reacted just after the hour, sending on Callum Osmand, Camilo Duran and Colby Donovan. Osmand scored with his first touch in the 65th minute. Then he set up Duran, who rounded the goalkeeper to make it 2-1 in the 79th.

Besiktas did not give up. Substitute Orkun Kokcu hit a shot from about 25 yards into the bottom corner in the 85th minute. But two minutes later, Duran took Kieran Tierney's pass and poked in the winner.

Why does it matter so much?

At 1-0 down, Celtic were on course for a fifth consecutive European defeat. That would have been a first in the club's history.

Now the mood is very different. Celtic are still in the bottom 12 of the Europa League table, but with four games left they can still reach the knockout stages.

O'Neill praised his whole team. "It might just give us a platform to charge on," he said. "It's not going to be easy, but this definitely gives us a chance." He singled out Tierney, Donovan and midfielder Mika Baur, and called Duran "fabulous for us the whole season".

What's next?

The big question in Glasgow is about selection. Duran scored twice and Osmand added a goal and an assist, so the starting line-up will be talked about. For now, Celtic have four matches to turn one good night into a proper run.