Duran double lifts Celtic past Besiktas as Sunderland lose unbeaten European record
Celtic claimed their first Europa League victory of the campaign with a 3-2 comeback against Besiktas, while Sunderland's unbeaten start ended in a 2-0 home defeat by Dinamo Zagreb. According to the Guardian's match reporting, substitutes Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran drove Celtic's recovery, with Duran scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the 87th minute.
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The Scottish champions were behind after Junior Olaitan scored in the 54th minute. Sam Johnstone saved his penalty, but Olaitan converted the rebound to put Besiktas ahead. At that stage, Martin O'Neill's team were facing the prospect of a seventh defeat in 11 matches and bottom place in the Europa League standings. Instead, a triple substitution helped turn the match around.
Osmand made an immediate contribution, equalising with his first touch in the 62nd minute, only seconds after entering the game. The 20-year-old then supplied Duran for the goal that put Celtic 2-1 ahead. The Guardian's live coverage recorded that strike in the 79th minute, leaving the hosts in front after having trailed for part of the second half.
Besiktas still had a response, with substitute Orkun Kokcu scoring from distance to draw the teams level again. Celtic recovered from that setback through Duran, who finished from six yards in the 87th minute to secure the win. Their next opponents are Portuguese second-tier club Torreense, with the victory keeping Celtic's hopes of progressing alive after a difficult start to the competition.
At the Stadium of Light, Dinamo established their winning margin before half-time. Luka Stojkovic opened the scoring with a powerful shot and then created the second for Dion Drena Beljo. The Guardian's live report listed the goals in the 23rd and 39th minutes, leaving Sunderland two goals behind at the interval and needing a response after the restart.
Sunderland did create opportunities, but none changed the score. Wilson Isidor had a header ruled out for offside two minutes into the second half, Kevin Danso struck the crossbar and Brian Brobbey also went close. The defeat was Sunderland's first in four Europa League matches. For Regis Le Bris' side, who are bottom of the Premier League, it added a European setback to their domestic difficulties.
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