Duran & Osmand spark Celtic into life against Besiktas

With an hour gone at Parkhead on Thursday, hope in the stands was in short supply as Celtic found themselves 1-0 down against Besiktas and heading toward a fourth straight defeat in this season's Europa League campaign.

Manager Martin O'Neill turned to his bench for a spark, introducing Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran to replace Sebastian Tounekti and James Forrest out wide in an effort to inject life into a stagnant attack.

The tactical change paid immediate dividends when 20-year-old attacker Osmand found the bottom corner of Alexander Nubel's goal just 43 seconds after stepping onto the pitch, instantly giving Celtic a dynamic threat and leaving Besiktas rattled.

The hosts continued to push, and on 77 minutes, O'Neill withdrew Kasper Hogh following another underwhelming display from the club record signing, shifting Duran centrally into the main striker role.

Osmand soon played Duran through with a delightful pass, allowing the Colombian to round Nubel and slot Celtic into the lead. Although Orkun Kokcu leveled for Besiktas with a fine strike, Duran had the final say two minutes later, controlling Kieran Tierney's scuffed shot to beat Nubel from close range and send the home support into ecstasy.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

"It was in design to do exactly what it did. We've played nine games in 25 days, some players needed a breather and you can get re-energised from coming on the field."

Martin O'Neill

Historical records show it was the first time a Celtic substitute had scored twice in a European match (excluding qualifiers) since Johannes Edvaldsson against Jeunesse d'Esch in September 1977. The manager was subsequently questioned whether his substitutions were inspired or proof that his best players should have started.