Celtic scored three times after the hour to win their first Europa League game of the season, while Besiktas slipped to a first defeat in Europe this term.
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Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi started on the bench as Besiktas lost 3-2 away to Celtic in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, November 5. The Scottish side came from behind to claim their first win of the competition, with substitute Camilo Duran scoring twice.
Ndidi was named among the Besiktas substitutes at Celtic Park, and coach Vincenzo Italiano went with a midfield that included Salih Özcan and Junior Olaitan. The Nigerian had played in all three previous league phase games and scored the opening goal in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Early match reports did not say whether he came on later.
The visitors took the lead in the 54th minute. Olaitan saw his penalty saved by Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, but he reacted quickest and smashed in the rebound.
Celtic looked dead and buried at that point, heading for a seventh defeat in 11 games and a bottom-four finish. Then Martin O’Neill brought on Callum Osmand, Duran and Colby Donovan, and the game changed.
Osmand equalised in the 62nd minute with his first touch, drilling the ball home from 22 yards. In the 78th minute he turned provider with a pass that Duran took in his stride before rounding goalkeeper Alexander Nübel to make it 2-1.
Besiktas hit back through Orkun Kökçü, who levelled with a long range effort in the 85th minute. The Turkish side’s joy lasted less than two minutes, because Duran scored again in the 87th minute, poking home from six yards after a Kieran Tierney effort fell to him.
The result was a big relief for Celtic, who had lost their first three games and were heading for a record fifth straight European defeat. They now have three points from four matches and move out of the bottom four. Fans who follow Nigerian stars abroad can check today’s top Bet9ja promo code before the next round.
First Defeat For Besiktas
For Besiktas, it was a first defeat in Europe this season. They had beaten Marseille 4-1, drawn 2-2 with Crystal Palace and won 3-2 at Hoffenheim, so they stay on seven points, although Complete Sports put the figure at five.
Italiano’s side scored nine goals in their first three matches, which shows how dangerous they can be. The defeat in Glasgow will still hurt, because they had controlled much of the game until Celtic’s substitutes took over.
Besiktas return to Europe on November 26 with a home game against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, while Celtic travel to Torreense. Ndidi will hope for a recall, and readers who like to follow European nights can look at the Bet9ja offer for Europa League nights.
What It Means For Ndidi
A place on the bench is not necessarily a long-term concern, as Ndidi had played in all three of Besiktas’ earlier European games this season. The captain of the Super Eagles will want to keep his place as the Tanzania qualifiers approach.
Eric Chelle has yet to name his squad for the double header, so match minutes still matter. Ndidi’s form and fitness are always closely watched in Nigeria, and a strong run for Besiktas would help.
Whatever happens next, Thursday’s game showed how quickly a European night can turn. New Bet9ja users can check the YOHAIG Bet9ja bonus code while they follow Ndidi’s progress.
📌 Did You Know?
- Celtic had lost all three of their opening Europa League games and conceded nine goals before this win.
- Besiktas scored nine goals in their first three league-phase games, including a 4-1 win over Marseille and a 3-2 win at Hoffenheim.
- Ndidi scored the opening goal in Besiktas’ 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace earlier in the league phase.
- Both of Camilo Duran’s goals came as a substitute, and the Colombian striker scored his second less than two minutes after Besiktas equalised.
- Leandro Trossard started for Besiktas in Glasgow.
