Match

Five things we learned as Celtic claim famous European win against Feyenoord

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Celtic produced one of their performances of the season with a fantastic win against Feyenoord.

Reo Hatate stood out for the Hoops as they fought from a goal down to increase the pressure on Robin van Persie.

The hosts took the lead but Celtic soon equalised as Hyunjun Yang impressively managed to get a touch on Hatate’s lofted ball.

Martin O’Neill’s side then took the lead after Daizen Maeda forced the Feyenoord ‘keeper into a mistake, allowing Hatate to score into an empty net.

Benjamin Nygren made sure of the win with a fantastic effort late in the second half and made it a night to remember in Rotterdam.

As the dust settles on a famous night, here are five things we learned.

Who is your man of the match from tonight? Let us know below!

Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda celebrate Celtic's second goal against Feyenoord
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Celtic can turn up in Europe

Questions have been asked about the Hoops’ lack of quality on the European stage, especially after how easily beaten they were against Midtjylland.

This was the complete opposite, however. Feyenoord were the strongest opponents on paper so far, but the Bhoys were phenomenal.

Everyone who played had a huge role in getting over the line and can be very proud of themselves.

Reo Hatate at his very best

Hatate is one of the most frustrating players in the Celtic squad. For every good performance, there are about 10 underwhelming ones.

He was on fire tonight though, playing a part in two of the three goals and looked a cut above others.

Let’s hope we see more of it.

Colby Donovan is Celtic’s second-choice right-back

Anthony Ralston had endured a few difficult performances in the right-back slot, which led to him being dropped for Colby Donovan.

Thankfully he passed his biggest test with flying colours, looking more than at home in the Europa League.

Colby Donovan tackles a Feyenoord player in the Europa League
Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

It was the latest sign to suggest that he is first in line to be back-up to Alistair Johnston when he returns.

Martin O’Neill ends Celtic’s Netherlands nightmare

An away win in Europe has been hard to come by for Celtic in recent years, but a victory in the Netherlands has been even harder to secure.

All runs come to an end though and the Bhoys finally ended their 24-year wait for that famous win.

O’Neill being the man to do so felt fitting after he was the last manager to taste victory on Dutch soil all of those years ago.

Fact: Tonight’s win against Feyenoord was the first time Celtic have won in the Netherlands for 24 years. Can you guess who was in charge that night?

Martin O'Neill gives instructions during Celtic's Europa League win against Feyenoord
Photo by ANP via Getty Images

Europa League qualification is still in their hands

A loss would’ve left the Hoops with a mountain to climb if they still had aspirations of advancing to the next stage of the Europa League.

There is still work to be done before qualification is assured, but a good win against tough opposition puts them in good stead for their next game in the competition, which is a home tie against Roma.