Benjamin Nygren stepped off the bench to deliver one of Celtic’s most important European goals in recent memory, sealing a superb 3–1 win away to Feyenoord.
It was also a defining moment in the club’s Europa League campaign, breathing life into a group that had looked to be slipping away.
Nygren’s introduction on the hour mark gave Celtic renewed energy in the final third as Martin O’Neill’s side soaked up pressure and targeted space on the break.
When the decisive moment arrived, he showed the composure of a player far more experienced on the European stage.
The goal capped an outstanding team performance and continued the revival under O’Neill, who has now overseen five wins in six matches since taking charge.
The night also underlined the growing confidence within the squad. Celtic recovered from an early setback to play with purpose and bravery, with Yang Hyun-jun and Reo Hatate also on the scoresheet.
The result was not just important for the table, it was a statement that Celtic, long burdened by poor away form in Europe, can still impose themselves on big nights. Nygren echoed that feeling as he reflected on the win.
Speaking after the match, he shared his delight at contributing to a victory that keeps Celtic firmly in the hunt for qualification.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “It feels great, it feels great. It was a needed win, now we’re back in it.
“Daizen (Maeda) got it, laid it back to me. I tried to stay calm, take a touch, look up and then make a good finish.
“I think now lately we’ve had more really good performances and more wins since they came in. I think we’ve won every game except one.
“Of course, it’s always huge to win, no matter who you’re playing in a European game — and also against a good team like Feyenoord.
“We’re so fortunate to have fans travelling wherever we go, so we’re so happy to celebrate the win today with all of them.”
Nygren’s comments summed up the lift Celtic have felt under O’Neill. His composed finish showed the confidence now flowing through the team, and his nod to the recent run of results reflected how much the interim staff have managed to change the mood in a short space of time.
The victory in Rotterdam also showed the value of Celtic’s bench. Nygren has been waiting for a real opportunity, and he grabbed this one by delivering the goal that settled the match.
With so much competition in the forward areas, a moment like that will stick in the minds of the coaching staff as the season moves on.
The travelling support played a huge part as well, backing the team from the first minute and celebrating wildly at full-time.
Attention now shifts to Easter Road on Sunday, likely O’Neill’s final game before Wilfried Nancy steps in.
But whatever happens next, Rotterdam will stay with this Celtic squad: a long-awaited away win in Europe, a hard-fought team display and a substitute who delivered when his moment arrived.
