Martin O’Neill gave Celtic a farewell gift after leading them to a 3-1 victory in the Europa League against Feyenoord.
The 73-year-old was set to step down to allow Wilfried Nancy to take over as permanent manager, but his aim was to stoop to great heights and he achieved that in spades.
It was a nightmare start in Rotterdam with Ayase Ueda scoring the opening goal, but goals from Hyun-joong Yang and Reo Hatate put the Hoops ahead at half-time.
Celtic rode their luck in the second half but continued to defend, with Benjamin Nygren coming off the bench to fire a third shot under the bar to seal their first win in the Netherlands since 2001. O’Neal was also the manager for this game.
Feyenoord have only won one of their five matches in this competition, but they are in the playoff spot.
A memorable victory in Rotterdam
Yang Hyun-jun (right) runners-up to Celtic in Rotterdam
Celtic started their front three with Luke McCowan and Yan on either side of Daenen Maeda, but the former made an early mistake and hit Arne Engels’ corner kick onto the bar from a yard out.
In the 11th minute, centre-back Auston Trusty was returning from a solo run deep into Feyenoord’s half when he was caught by a ball that went over his head. Sem Stein laid the ball off and Ayase Ueda finished.
The goal prompted a burst of red smoke bombs from outside De Kuip, whose stands were closed due to UEFA penalties for the use of fireworks.
Fireworks are set off on the pitch as Feyenoord fans celebrate the opening goal against Celtic
The visitors soon found themselves in trouble after receiving a cross, but Leo Sauer fired home from six yards.
Celtic also responded, but McCowan was unable to control Yan’s cross.
The former Dundee player made up for the missed chance by playing a key role in Celtic’s 31st-minute equalizer.
His lofted pass was found by Hatate, who hooked the ball to the far post for Yang to score from close range.
Celtic conceded two big goals before taking the lead. The opponents were first caught on the break and this time Liam Scales was forced out of position, but Ueda’s shot was saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
Another shot from Ueda appeared to hit Callum McGregor’s hand, but his penalty appeal was rejected.
Celtic opened the scoring two minutes before half-time with Maeda charging down an attempted pass from Timon Werenreuther, the ball breaking and Hatate scoring, scoring the first goal from 22 yards.
Reo Hatate scores Celtic’s second goal against Feyenoord
With Feyenoord’s most vocal fans shut out and Celtic in front, the traveling fans made a fuss and Feyenoord’s side controlled the early stages of the second half.
Engels’ free-kick was well saved, but Gaussou Diarra’s header hit the bar before the hosts could apply continued pressure.
The home team was growing in confidence, but the aggressive play of a limping Colby Donovan set up a decisive opportunity in the 82nd minute.
As the keeper tried to gather the right-back’s low cross, Maeda again got in the way of Verenreuter, and the ball broke for Nygren to hit his shot over the bar from eight yards out.
“Recovery of confidence”
Martin O’Neill to take over as Celtic manager after Brendan Rodgers resigns
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill:
“It was great. I have to admit it was really big. It was really great. It was really, really, really good. It’s great to win away. It’s not easy in Europe, but it’s certainly not easy here either.”
“What’s very obvious is that it gives them confidence and gives them a little bit of belief that they can actually compete. That’s what happened tonight. Even if the result was against us, we thought we could compete.”
“My two brothers came to the game and I told them to start chanting, so they must have done it!
“To be honest, I’m feeling really good now, but tomorrow I’ll wake up and get ready for the Hibs game. But you better enjoy it. It was great. It’s hard to say how I felt going into the game. My two daughters were in favor of giving it their all, but my wife said you’re going to mess up.”
“So I called her. It hasn’t failed…so far. It’s been great. Results are everything. That’s what you live for. The results have been great.”
Regarding his advice to incoming manager Wilfried Nancy, O’Neill added: “He’s got some players here who are big winners, which is great. The most important thing is for him to step in and I’m sure he’ll trust some of those players. Then try to improve the other players. As you start to develop, you’ll be more confident going into the game.”
“After a couple of losses, obviously confidence was very low. It’s a big confidence rebound and it’s important to keep it going.”
