Celtic player ratings vs Besiktas: 7/10 super subs light up Bonfire Night with explosive late comeback

Celtic celebrated Bonfire Night in spectacular fashion by coming from behind to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory over Besiktas and breathe life into their Europa League campaign.

It was an evening that threatened to descend into another European nightmare for Martin O’Neill’s side, who looked bereft of confidence during an uninspiring first half before finding another gear after the break.

With three successive defeats already on their continental record in the league phase of the competition this season, Celtic desperately needed a result to get up and running. However, they offered little encouragement during a turgid opening 45 minutes, with Benjamin Nygren wasting an early opportunity before the visitors gradually took control.

Sam Johnstone produced an excellent save to turn Leandro Trossard’s fierce strike onto the crossbar, although the offside flag had already been raised. Celtic managed just two touches inside the Besiktas penalty area during the opening period.

The situation deteriorated further seven minutes into the second half when Jordan Lotomba, making his first start for the Scottish champions, brought down Ernest Poku on the edge of the box. Johnstone saved Junior Olaitan’s resulting penalty, but the Besiktas forward reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound.

O’Neill turned to his substitutes in search of inspiration, and Callum Osmand provided it almost immediately. Introduced just 43 seconds earlier, the 20-year-old latched onto Callum McGregor’s superb reverse pass before drilling a low finish into the bottom corner.

The goal transformed the atmosphere and Celtic's performance. Suddenly playing with urgency and conviction, the hosts began to overwhelm their Turkish opponents. And Osmand was again instrumental in the turnaround, releasing Camilo Duran with an excellent through ball in the 78th minute. The Colombian raced clear, rounded Alexander Nubel and finished calmly to put Celtic in front.

There was still time for another twist, though, as Besiktas captain Orkun Kokcu stepped off the bench himself to unleash a stunning 25-yard strike to level matters with five minutes remaining.

But Celtic refused to settle for a point. Just two minutes later, Duran once again demonstrated his instinctive movement, controlling Kieran Tierney's effort before finding the net with a composed finish.

Parkhead erupted as the Colombian completed a remarkable double and secured three precious points. It was far from perfect, but Celtic finally had their European fireworks night.

Here’s how we rated the Celtic players in Glasgow’s east end...

GK: Sam Johnstone (6/10)

Kept his place despite conceding five goals in his previous three domestic games. Produced an excellent first-half save to tip Trossard’s ferocious, albeit offside, strike on to the crossbar. Strong right hand to keep out Olaitan’s penalty but couldn’t prevent the rebound. No chance of getting to Kokcu's 25-yard wonder strike.

RB: Jordan Lotomba (4/10)

Making his first start since arriving from Feyenoord in the summer, he struggled to cope with the Turks’ threat down his side, often being dragged out of position. A clumsy tackle on Poku resulted in the penalty award. Looked to make amends with a lung-busting run from his own half to the edge of the box, but unable to get a shot away.

CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers (7/10)

The ever-dependable American was rock solid throughout. Made an important early intervention to deny Trossard and produced arguably one of his best performances so far this season.

CB: Liam Scales (6/10)

A sliding challenge prevented Cerny from testing the keeper early on. Lapse in concentration almost proved costly as Besiktas threatened midway through the first half. Fortunate to escape a booking for a shirt pull on Oh. Saw a deflected second-half header require a sharp save to claw it over the bar.

LB: Kieran Tierney (7/10)

Fared considerably better than his fellow full-back Lotomba. Made several timely blocks and important interventions. Involved in the build-up to the winning goal.

CM: Callum McGregor (6/10)

Lost possession in the build-up to Trossard’s chance shortly after the break. However, showed good awareness to pick out Osmand with a smart reverse pass for the equaliser. Gave his all once again.

CM: Mika Baur (6/10)

An industrious and lively presence, snapping into tackles and always making himself available to receive the ball as the first-half progressed. Looks to have developed a good understanding with McGregor in midfield.

CM: Benjamin Nygren (6/10)

Planted an early effort narrowly wide of the top-right corner. Booked for overrunning the ball and catching his opponent with a high boot after the restart. Curled a second-half effort just over the bar. Stuck to the task well.

RW: James Forrest (5/10)

Carried out his defensive duties while doing his best to provide an attacking spark during a forgettable first half. An early second-half effort with his weaker left foot lacked the power to trouble the keeper.

LW: Sebastian Tounekti (4/10)

Doesn't look up to the mark. Provided the pass that set up Nygren’s early chance. No real impact thereafter offensively.

CF: Kasper Hogh (4/10)

Looked sluggish. Hold-up play and decision-making in the final third were average at best. Didn't have a single touch in the visitors box all evening and never looked like ending his goal drought.

Celtic subs

Colby Donovan: 5 - Took over from red-faced Lotomba. and displayed why he is a better option with a bright cameo.

Callum Osmand: 7 - Replaced Tounekti and was the game-changer. Made an instant impact within 43 seconds, sweeping a low shot from 15 yards into the bottom corner. Teed up Nygren's chance.

Camilo Duran: 7 - Introduced for Forrest and proved why he should've started. Perfectly timed run and finish to make it 2-2 and then popped up again with the match-winner.

Haissam Hassan: 5 - Replaced Hogh, allowing Duran to play through the middle. Arrowed a strike towards the near post which had to be pushed away.

Dane Murray: 3 - Replaced Carter-Vickers in the closing stages. Helped to shore things up defensively.