Chris Sutton makes a major claim about Celtic after their comeback victory.

Celtic finally collected their first three points in the Europa League league phase after producing an entertaining comeback to defeat Beşiktaş 3-2 at Celtic Park. The victory provided a much-needed boost for Martin O’Neill and his players, although former Hoops striker Chris Sutton believes the manager should have made two important changes to his starting lineup before the match.

Sutton praised Celtic for their determination and response after falling behind, but he also highlighted the influence of Callum Osmand and Camilo Durán, suggesting both youngsters deserved to start rather than being introduced from the substitutes’ bench.

It was certainly not an easy evening for the Scottish side. Celtic struggled to create opportunities during the opening period and were eventually punished when Beşiktaş took the lead shortly after half-time.

Celtic’s Camilo Duran celebrates scoring their side’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League, league stage match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Thursday November 5, 2026.

Junior Olaitan gave the Turkish visitors the advantage in the 54th minute, reacting quickest to score from the rebound after a penalty had been saved.

However, O’Neill’s substitutions completely changed the direction of the contest. Osmand and Durán combined brilliantly to help Celtic recover, eventually securing a memorable European victory.

Sutton Questions O’Neill’s Starting Lineup

Reacting to the result on X, Sutton acknowledged the improvement Celtic demonstrated during the second half. Nevertheless, the former striker made it clear that he would have selected Osmand and Durán from the beginning.

His assessment was understandable considering how ineffective Celtic looked in attack before the changes were introduced.

Despite enjoying home advantage, the Hoops failed to register a single shot on target during the opening 45 minutes. Their attacking play lacked urgency, creativity and the movement needed to trouble the Beşiktaş defence.

Kasper Høgh struggled to become involved in dangerous situations, while Celtic found it difficult to turn possession into meaningful opportunities.

The disappointing first-half display raised questions about O’Neill’s original selection and whether different attacking options could have produced a better performance.

Celtic eventually found the solution through their substitutes, with the manager introducing three players in the 61st minute.

Osmand, Durán and Colby Donovan entered the contest while the hosts were trailing 1-0, and their arrival immediately provided fresh energy.

The impact of the changes was particularly noticeable in the attacking areas, where Celtic suddenly looked more dangerous and capable of troubling their opponents.

Osmand Scores Within Seconds of Coming On

Osmand made an extraordinary start to his appearance, requiring just 43 seconds to announce himself.

The 20-year-old received a pass from Callum McGregor after being played through and confidently finished with his first touch to bring Celtic level.

It was a crucial moment for the hosts, who had been struggling to produce anything meaningful in the final third.

His goal lifted the atmosphere inside Celtic Park and gave O’Neill’s players renewed belief that they could complete the comeback.

Osmand continued to influence the contest and later played an important role in Celtic’s second goal.

In the 78th minute, the young forward provided the pass that allowed Durán to get beyond goalkeeper Alexander Nübel and put the Scottish side ahead.

The combination between the two substitutes demonstrated the attacking possibilities available to O’Neill when both players are involved.

Their contributions also strengthened Sutton’s argument that they should have been selected from the beginning rather than being introduced after Celtic had fallen behind.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill (left) and Callum Osmand after the UEFA Europa League, league stage match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Thursday November 5, 2026.

Durán Produces the Winning Moment

Celtic’s advantage was threatened when Beşiktaş captain Orkun Kökçü found the net with a powerful effort in the 86th minute.

His equaliser appeared to have denied O’Neill’s side a memorable victory, particularly after the hosts had worked so hard to turn the match around.

However, Durán had other ideas.

The Colombian responded almost immediately, taking control of Kieran Tierney’s delivery before finishing brilliantly to restore Celtic’s advantage.

It was his second goal of the evening and ultimately proved decisive.

Durán’s movement through the middle of the pitch caused significant problems for the Beşiktaş defence. His ability to find spaces and threaten the opposition goal offered Celtic a different attacking dimension compared with what they had produced earlier.

Alongside Osmand, he became one of the most important figures in the comeback.

The two players demonstrated that they could make a difference at a crucial moment, giving O’Neill an important selection decision ahead of the weekend.

Important Victory After Celtic’s Difficult Spell

The result was particularly significant because Celtic had been searching for their first points in the Europa League league phase.

Their European campaign had not started as expected, and the pressure surrounding the team had increased following Sunday’s disappointing 2-0 Premiership defeat against Falkirk.

O’Neill needed his players to produce a response, and the victory over Beşiktaş finally gave the manager something positive to build upon.

Although Celtic’s first-half performance was disappointing, their reaction after the break showed determination and attacking quality.

Sutton’s praise therefore reflects the importance of the result, even though his comments also highlight an area where O’Neill could have made better decisions.

The former striker’s argument about Osmand and Durán is likely to attract attention because both players made such an immediate difference after entering the match.

Kilmarnock Match Gives O’Neill Another Selection Test

Celtic will now turn their attention towards Sunday’s Premiership encounter with Kilmarnock.

Following their impressive performances against Beşiktaş, Osmand and Durán have given O’Neill convincing reasons to consider starting them.

Osmand demonstrated that he can contribute goals and create opportunities, while Durán showed how dangerous his movement and finishing can be.

The manager must now decide whether to reward their performances with starting positions.

Leaving both players on the bench again could invite further questions, particularly after their decisive contributions in Europe.

Nevertheless, O’Neill will need to consider the overall balance of his team before making his selection.

For Celtic supporters, the most encouraging development is that two attacking players have demonstrated their ability to change an important match.

Sutton has praised the comeback, but his message is clear: Osmand and Durán have given O’Neill plenty to think about before the next fixture.