STUTTGART OR FERENCVAROS UP NEXT, BUT O’NEILL POINTS OUT THE BEST PART OF LAST NIGHT
For large parts of the evening, it looked as though Celtic were heading for a routine win. The hosts burst out of the traps with relentless intensity, overwhelming Utrecht from the opening whistle and racing into a three-goal advantage before the match had even settled. The early dominance was breathtaking, and when the third goal hit the net inside the opening 20 minutes, the home support dared to dream of a truly historic scoreline.
While those hopes of a goal glut ultimately faded, Celtic still managed to etch their name into the club’s European record books. Never before had they scored three times within the first 20 minutes of a continental fixture, underlining just how electric their start was. Utrecht simply could not cope with the tempo, movement, and aggression of O’Neill’s side during that opening spell.
However, European football has a habit of punishing any lapse in concentration, and this contest proved no different. Utrecht clawed their way back into the game with two goals that shifted the mood inside Celtic Park from confidence to nervous tension. What had looked like a comfortable passage into the next round suddenly became a test of composure and resolve.
That moment of anxiety was eventually extinguished by Auston Trusty. Rising highest to meet a set-piece delivery, the defender powered a header home to restore Celtic’s two-goal cushion and settle any lingering doubts. It was the decisive moment that confirmed qualification and allowed the Hoops to see out the closing stages with far greater assurance.
Beyond the immediate drama, the performance carried a sense of nostalgia. Since Celtic’s run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final achieved under O’Neill during his first tenure European campaigns have often been frustrating and unforgiving. This win, while not among the club’s biggest on the continental stage, felt like a reminder of a more assertive and fearless Celtic in Europe.
Historically, Celtic’s most emphatic European victory remains the crushing win over Suduva in a Champions League qualifier back in 2000, another night masterminded by O’Neill. That game, much like this one, began with a blistering start that effectively decided the contest early. The parallels were hard to ignore.
This encounter, though, followed a more unpredictable script. Celtic’s early dominance suggested the tie was already settled, yet Utrecht’s goals on either side of half-time injected real jeopardy. Credit must go to the Hoops for regrouping, regaining control, and ensuring there was no late collapse.
Tactically, Celtic were impressive. The team pressed aggressively, moved the ball with purpose, and consistently pinned Utrecht back. The visitors certainly contributed to their own downfall with some poor defensive decisions including a costly mistake involving Vasilis Barkas but Celtic were ruthless in capitalizing when opportunities arose.
Individually, there were standout performances across the pitch. Kieran Tierney, blending experience with authority, was instrumental down the flank. He provided the assist for Benjamin Nygren’s opener and dominated his duels throughout the night, looking every bit like a player back at his very best in green and white. At the other end of the experience spectrum, Colby Donovan also caught the eye, showing composure and confidence well beyond his years.
With this victory secured, Celtic now turn their attention to the play-off round, where they will face either Stuttgart or Ferencváros. Both potential opponents present stern challenges. Ferencváros are managed by Robbie Keane, a familiar name who was once strongly linked with the Celtic job before Wilfried Nancy’s appointment. Stuttgart, meanwhile, have emerged as a powerful force under highly-rated coach Sebastian Hoeneß and would pose a significant tactical test.
Whoever awaits, Celtic will take belief from a night that blended history, drama, and promise. It was not flawless, but it was fearless and in European football, that mindset can take you a long way.
