Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho returned to Celtic’s matchday squad for the first time in over a month as the Scottish giants sealed a 3-1 victory over Feyenoord in their Europa League clash in Rotterdam on Thursday night, Bold Sports reports.
Iheanacho had not featured for Celtic since October 23, when he was forced off just four minutes into their 2-1 win over Sturm Graz. Although he did not get minutes against Feyenoord, the Nigerian forward watched from the bench as Martin O’Neill’s side delivered a commanding performance away from home.
Feyenoord struck first despite Celtic’s bright start. The hosts broke the deadlock in the 11th minute through Ayase Ueda, who finished first time past Kasper Schmeichel to make it 1-0.
Celtic responded with purpose and were rewarded in the 31st minute. A flowing team move ended with Reo Hatate whipping in a precise cross that Hyun-Jun Yang tucked in at the back post to level the score.
More Read
Just before the interval, Celtic completed the turnaround. Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther was pressured into a mistake by Daizen Maeda, whose efforts created an opening for Hatate to slot into an empty net, sending the visitors into the break 2-1 up.
Substitute Benjamin Nygren put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute. The Swedish forward unleashed a fierce strike that crashed off the crossbar and into the net, sealing Celtic’s second Europa League win of the season.
Celtic’s win lifts them to 17th in the Europa League standings, with seven points from five games, while Feyenoord drop to 31st, managing only three points so far.
Iheanacho will now aim to return to the pitch when Celtic travel to face Hibernian on Sunday, 30 November, as the Hoops continue their push to close the gap on league leaders Hearts.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
