Celtic edge Besiktas in five-goal Europa League thriller

Celtic FC produced a performance full of attacking intent and late composure to beat Besiktas JK 3-2 in a pulsating UEFA Europa League encounter at Celtic Park on 6 November 2026. In a match that swung one way and then the other, Callum McGregor’s late strike settled a contest that had already delivered four goals, several momentum shifts and a raucous atmosphere from the first whistle to the last.

The result gives Celtic a valuable three points in the Europa League league phase and strengthens their position heading into the next round of fixtures. For Besiktas, the defeat was a harsh one after an impressive second-half response, but the Turkish side left Glasgow with clear evidence that they can hurt elite opponents on the counter-attack.

Match overview

Celtic started with the intensity that has become their trademark in European home matches, pressing high and forcing Besiktas into early mistakes. The hosts dominated possession in the opening quarter and were rewarded when Daizen Maeda latched onto a clever ball in behind the defence and finished calmly to make it 1-0 after 18 minutes.

Besiktas responded well. The visitors began to find space between Celtic’s midfield and defence, and Semih Kılıçsoy equalised in the 34th minute with a low effort after a quick transition. Celtic regained the lead just after half-time through Reo Hatate, whose driving run and composed finish capped a strong spell of pressure. Besiktas, however, refused to fade. Gedson Fernandes levelled again in the 71st minute, setting up a tense final stretch.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Celtic captain Callum McGregor arrived in the box in the 84th minute to meet a loose ball and fire home the winner, sending Celtic Park into celebration and sealing a memorable European night.

Key moments

• 18’ – Maeda opens the scoring: Celtic’s high press forced a hurried clearance, and a quick exchange released Maeda, who finished with composure.
• 34’ – Kılıçsoy equalises: Besiktas broke at speed and the young forward found space on the edge of the box before placing his shot beyond the goalkeeper.
• 52’ – Hatate restores Celtic’s lead: A driving run from midfield opened the Besiktas defence, and Hatate supplied a cool finish.
• 71’ – Gedson Fernandes levels again: Besiktas worked the ball into a dangerous area and Gedson’s low strike beat the goalkeeper to make it 2-2.
• 84’ – McGregor wins it: Celtic’s captain reacted fastest to a half-cleared ball and drilled home the decisive goal.

Tactical story

Celtic’s approach was built on aggression and width. The full-backs pushed high, the wingers stayed wide to stretch Besiktas’s back line, and McGregor controlled the tempo from deeper positions. The hosts frequently looked to switch play quickly, creating one-on-one situations that caused the Turkish side problems throughout the first half.

Besiktas, by contrast, were at their most dangerous in transition. Rafa Silva and Gedson Fernandes found pockets of space between the lines, while Kılıçsoy’s movement in behind kept Celtic’s centre-backs honest. The visitors’ equalisers both came from moments when Celtic lost the ball in advanced areas and were forced to defend large spaces. In the end, Celtic’s willingness to keep pushing forward proved decisive, but the match also exposed the risks that come with their high line.

Standout players

Maeda was a constant threat with his movement and direct running, while Hatate’s energy in midfield gave Celtic control in the moments when the game threatened to slip away. McGregor’s influence went beyond the winning goal: he completed passes under pressure, organised the press and kept his team calm during Besiktas’s best spells.

For Besiktas, Kılıçsoy and Gedson Fernandes were the standout performers. Kılıçsoy’s equaliser was taken with real maturity, and Gedson’s ability to carry the ball through midfield gave the visitors a route back into the contest. The Besiktas goalkeeper also made several important saves before McGregor’s late winner.

What the result means

The three points lift Celtic into a stronger position in the Europa League standings and give them momentum ahead of a difficult run of fixtures. A home win in a five-goal game also reinforces Celtic’s reputation as a formidable host in European competition. Besiktas, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their attacking display but will be frustrated by the manner in which they conceded the decisive goal. In a league phase where every point matters, this was a result that could prove significant for both clubs.