Feyenoord manager Blown Away by Celtic Star After Feyenoord’s 3–1 Home Humiliation: “I’ve Never Seen Anyone So Strong”
Robin van Persie was Blown Away by Celtic Star After Feyenoord’s 3–1 Home Humiliation: “I’ve Never Seen Anyone So Strong
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie was left visibly stunned after his side surrendered a 3–1 lead at home to Celtic at De Kuip, praising a visiting player in unusually glowing terms and admitting he had “never seen anyone so strong” in European competition.
The match played on 27 November 2025 in the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League began disastrously for the home side. Feyenoord struck early: in the 11th minute, a slick build-up ended with Japanese forward Ayase Ueda firing past Celtic’s goalkeeper to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
For much of the first half, it looked like Feyenoord could dominate but momentum began to shift. Around the 31st minute, Celtic hit back. A clever attacking move ended with Yang Hyun‑Jun volleying home after a cross from deep, restoring parity at 1–1.
As half‑time approached, the tide turned decisively in Celtic’s favour. Thanks to a defensive error from Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, Celtic regained possession and a swift move saw the ball fall to a midfielder who made no mistake, slotting into an empty net to make it 2–1 in favour of the visitors.
That midfielder’s display caught the attention of van Persie. In his post-match remarks, he emphasized that this player “single‑handedly dismantled” Feyenoord’s midfield, constantly breaking up play, winning duels, and dictating transitions. “He was like a wall,” van Persie said. “Strength, intelligence, composure under pressure I’ve never seen anyone so strong.”
Only then did van Persie publicly name the individual: Reo Hatate the Celtic midfielder whose influence went beyond just the goal. Hatate, van Persie argued, controlled the rhythm of the match: intercepting passes, breaking attacks, and sparking Celtic transitions that disrupted every plan Feyenoord had prepared.
As the second half unfolded, Feyenoord tried to fight back. They pressed, created chances, and even hit the bar, but could not break through. Instead, Celtic sealed the comeback late on. In the 82nd minute, substitute Benjamin Nygren struck a powerful shot off the underside of the bar and into the net to make it 3–1 and confirm the sensational turnaround.
In summarising the match, van Persie was unusually candid. He admitted that while Feyenoord started well, they were completely undone by the Celtic midfielder’s dominance. “We tried to play through the middle,” he said. “But every time we thought we had control, he was there stopping us, redirecting play, refusing to give space. That’s the level we couldn’t match.”
The loss was a harsh blow for Feyenoord. Their early lead gave way to a disciplined, energetic, and tactically astute Celtic side one whose comeback was powered by both collective resolve and a standout individual performance.
For Celtic, the victory marked a major result their first away win in Europe in some time, and a statement of intent under interim leadership. Their ability to fight back after conceding early, absorb pressure, and then strike with precision and composure drew plaudits across Scottish and European media alike.
In a post-match atmosphere filled with surprise and respect, van Persie’s words stood out most. “Sometimes you have to recognise quality,” he concluded. “Tonight, that player was the best on the pitch by a long distance.”
For fans of Celtic, it was a night of celebration and vindication. For Feyenoord, a painful lesson in the demands of European football. And for Reo Hatate, it may mark the beginning of widespread recognition across the continent recognition earned not merely by a goal, but by a full match of dominance.
