Bamidele Yusuf Stars As Ferencváros Shock Celtic in Europa League Opener
Nigerian international forward Bamidele Yusuf delivered a standout performance as Ferencváros produced an impressive 3–1 away victory over Celtic in their opening UEFA Europa League league-phase fixture at Celtic Park on Thursday night.
Yusuf was directly involved in all three of Ferencváros’ goals, scoring the opener before providing assists for Kristoffer Zachariassen and Daniel Arzani as the Hungarian side secured all three points in Glasgow.
Ferencváros made a bright start and took the lead in the 20th minute. Yusuf drove inside from the right before unleashing a left-footed effort that took a significant deflection off Celtic defender Liam Scales and found the bottom corner.
The Nigerian forward continued to cause problems for the Celtic defence and came close to creating another opportunity when his cross was met by Zachariassen, who headed over the bar.
Celtic eventually found a way back into the contest in the 44th minute. Mika Baur finished off a flowing move involving James Forrest and Kieran Tierney to make it 1–1.
However, the hosts’ relief lasted barely a minute.
In first-half stoppage time, Yusuf produced another important contribution, twisting his way down the right before finding Zachariassen inside the six-yard box.
The Ferencváros captain applied a clever back-heeled finish to restore the visitors’ advantage.
Ferencváros then struck again almost immediately after the restart.
In the 47th minute, former Celtic forward Daniel Arzani cut inside and unleashed a superb effort from around 20 yards, sending the ball into the top corner to make it 3–1. Yusuf was credited with the assist, completing his direct involvement in all three Ferencváros goals.
Celtic introduced further attacking options in an attempt to reduce the deficit, but Ferencváros remained organised and protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The result gave Ferencváros a winning start to their 2026/27 Europa League campaign, while Celtic were left to reflect on a disappointing night at home.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
