NafisaCeltic’s disastrous first half against Benfica left Martin O’Neill with plenty to think about, but the manager may have discovered two players capable of giving his side a much-needed spark.
The Hoops were already facing an uphill battle by the interval in Lisbon, having conceded three goals during a deeply frustrating opening 45 minutes. Defensive lapses allowed Benfica to take control, while Celtic struggled to make their attacking players count when opportunities presented themselves.
There were glimpses of what might have been. Kasper Høgh and Camilo Durán both struck the woodwork before the break, but Celtic lacked the consistency and directness needed to turn those moments into a genuine threat.
O’Neill responded by making two changes at half-time, introducing Haissem Hassan and Callum Osmand in place of Høgh and Sebastian Tounekti. The changes immediately offered Celtic something different, with both substitutes showing a willingness to attack their opponents and stretch the game.
Although Benfica ultimately secured a 4-1 victory, the improved second-half performance gave the Celtic manager something positive to take away from an otherwise difficult European evening.
And his post-match comments made it clear that he was particularly impressed by the impact of the two players who came off the bench.
O’Neill Explains Why Celtic Improved After the Break
Speaking to TNT Sports, O’Neill pointed to the direct approach of Hassan and Osmand as a major reason for Celtic’s improvement.
“It changed because two wide players wanted to get out of people, really did want to get out of people.
“Hassan has that ability to do this here, and little Osmand, who’s just back from injury, hasn’t played really wide there at all. Thought he did terrifically well.
“Maybe he could have squared one for Durán to maybe make it 3-2 in the game. That would have been really interesting in the last 15 minutes of the match.”
The manager’s comments highlighted both the quality of the substitutes and the opportunity Celtic missed to make the closing stages far more uncomfortable for Benfica.
Osmand found himself in a promising position after getting in behind the Portuguese side’s defence, but opted to shoot rather than square the ball to Camilo Durán, who was waiting in the middle.
Had the young forward picked out his teammate and Celtic reduced the deficit to 3-2, the atmosphere and momentum could have shifted considerably.
Instead, Benfica retained their two-goal cushion before eventually adding a fourth through Vangelis Pavlidis late in the match.
Nevertheless, O’Neill’s praise suggested that Osmand’s overall contribution mattered more than that one decision. Having recently returned from injury, the forward gave Celtic an attacking outlet they had struggled to find during the opening period.
Hassan Gives Celtic the Direct Threat They Were Missing
Hassan also made a significant difference after entering the contest.
The Egyptian winger brought greater pace and direct running down the right, repeatedly looking to take on his opponent rather than allowing Benfica to defend comfortably.
His contribution was particularly evident in Celtic’s goal. Hassan beat his man before delivering the ball into the box, where Camilo Durán converted with a header to give the visitors something to build on.
It was the kind of attacking action Celtic had needed much earlier in the match. Their first-half display had lacked the consistent penetration required to unsettle Benfica, but Hassan immediately offered a more aggressive approach.
O’Neill also discussed the impact of his substitutes when speaking to BBC Sport after the game.
“Those players coming on give us the real impetus. We were taking people on and causing them problems.”
That assessment was significant because it addressed a clear weakness in Celtic’s performance. The visitors had found it difficult to trouble Benfica consistently before the interval, but the introduction of two players willing to run at defenders changed the dynamic.
Hassan’s assist provided the tangible reward, while his overall display gave O’Neill a reason to consider whether he deserves a more prominent role in the next match.
Osmand Makes His Case Despite Missed Opportunity
Osmand’s contribution was arguably just as encouraging, particularly given his recent injury problems.
The forward has missed significant periods through injury, meaning regular minutes and a settled role have been difficult to come by. Yet his movement in behind Benfica’s defence offered Celtic a different attacking dimension.
Rather than allowing the hosts to push forward without worrying about the space behind them, Osmand looked to stretch the defensive line and create opportunities for his teammates.
His missed chance to square the ball to Durán will naturally attract attention, especially given how much more competitive the closing stages might have become at 3-2.
However, O’Neill was keen to recognise the wider value of his performance, describing the youngster’s display as terrific.
That backing could prove important as Celtic prepare for their next domestic challenge. With the manager searching for greater pace and bravery in attacking areas, Osmand has given himself a chance to be considered for a more substantial role.
Hearts Clash Could Bring Two Changes
Celtic’s defeat in Lisbon cannot be ignored. They conceded three times in the first half, struggled defensively and ultimately left Portugal with a heavy loss after Pavlidis added Benfica’s fourth.
But the second-half improvement provides O’Neill with a selection question ahead of Sunday’s league match against Hearts.
Hassan demonstrated that he can provide direct running and create opportunities, while Osmand offered movement and energy after returning from injury. Both qualities were conspicuously absent for long stretches of the opening half.
Whether either player earns a starting place remains to be seen, but their performances have strengthened their cases.
For Celtic, the challenge is to carry that attacking intent into the next match without repeating the defensive mistakes that left them with too much to do in Portugal.
The result against Benfica was a painful reminder of the team’s shortcomings, yet O’Neill has emerged with two potential solutions in attack. Hassan and Osmand may not have rescued Celtic in Lisbon, but their performances have given the manager something important to consider before Hearts visit.
Nafisa
