In a highly anticipated Europa League encounter, Celtic will face Feyenoord, with Robin van Persie at the helm. This matchup highlights the struggles both teams face in the tournament as they look to secure crucial points.
Robin van Persie’s Family Moment
A special highlight for Van Persie came when he named his 19-year-old son, Shaqheel, to the bench. This marks Shaqheel’s first involvement with the senior team. The father-son duo had previously collaborated when Van Persie managed the club’s youth squad.
“Of course it’s special,” Van Persie stated. “I treat him like any other player, without favoritism.” His commitment to fairness reflects his professional ethos.
Current Standings and Key Players
Both Celtic and Feyenoord urgently need to accumulate points in their group. Last season, ten points sufficed for three clubs in the league phase, but Feyenoord fell short. Currently, they sit one point behind the Scottish side.
Celtic’s Challenges
Celtic is dealing with an injury crisis that complicates their campaign. Key players like Givairo Read, who has drawn interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, are sidelined. Canadian full-back Cyle Larin is also missing from the lineup.
Feyenoord’s Squad Strength
Feyenoord’s top scorer is Japan’s Ayase Ueda, who has netted 13 goals in 18 matches this season. Another emerging talent is Anis Hadji Moussa, who has stepped up following a loan stint at Vitesse.
Adding to the squad depth is Leo Sauer, the Slovakian winger involved in the country’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Furthermore, Sam Steijn, acquired for £8.8 million, has been appointed captain by Van Persie shortly after joining the club.
Historical Context of the Fixture
This fixture recalls the 1970 European Cup final, where Celtic’s Jock Stein sent seven Lisbon Lions onto the pitch in Milan. They aimed to replicate their glory from three years prior but lost 2-1 in extra time after initially taking the lead.
Though this match may not carry the same historical weight, it holds significant implications for both teams’ prospects in the Europa League. The outcome could greatly influence their chances for progression in this season’s tournament, a reality that Van Persie is acutely aware of.
