Celtic Defender Liam Scales Draws on Feyenoord Success Ahead of Benfica Clash

Celtic defender Liam Scales is looking to the team's past European success for motivation as they prepare to face Benfica on Thursday. The Scottish club suffered a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Ferencvaros prior to the international break, and they are seeking to secure their first points in the Europa League.

Scales highlighted the team's 3-1 victory over Dutch side Feyenoord at their home ground late last year as a benchmark for what they can achieve. "Listen, it doesn’t get much more difficult in the Europa League than this next one. Benfica away is a tough, tough game," Scales stated. "I think we always have something to prove, but it has been disappointing so far in Europe this season so we need to really try and do better."

He added, "We went to Feyenoord last season and showed that night what we can do so we can try and replicate how we played in that game. When it comes to European fixtures that is a reference for us. That was really, really good that night so that’s what we will be hoping to do."

The defender noted a renewed sense of optimism within the squad following a recent 2-0 victory over Motherwell. This win came after a difficult period that included losses to Rangers and Ferencvaros. Scales believes the team has experienced a reset, particularly after a meeting where players and coaching staff reviewed their core principles and performance standards.

"We all got back in last week and had a meeting. We went through all our principles and how we want to be," Scales explained. "You could tell how excited he (O'Neill) was for this next spell of games. We were looking at clips of where we’ve been at our best and that really excites him and the coaches. We know where we can get to as well. It’s just a case of doing it now."

The international break also saw positive developments for some Celtic players, with Mika Baur making his debut for Germany and Camilo Duran representing Colombia for the first time. Scales feels their return with added confidence positively impacted the team's performance against Motherwell.

"I feel players went away and enjoyed their couple of weeks and have come back with more confidence. I felt that was noticeable on Sunday," he said. "We have young lads making their debuts for teams like Germany and Colombia which is incredible. So, I think the break boosted the mood, and it was needed. You know, it was a tough, tough week before the international break."

Scales reflected on the Motherwell match, stating, "I feel we were good all over the pitch. It felt like we were back to what we want to be after a tough spell before the international window. The clean sheet was pleasing and that comes from having most of the ball. We kept possession well before cutting through them. We created a lot of chances and could probably have scored a few more goals."

He emphasized that the team's morale was more affected by the poor results than external criticism. "I don’t think we’ve been hurt by the criticism. What’s hurt has been the results. That’s what hurts more than anything. We know ourselves and don’t need to even hear the criticism to feel the disappointment and hurt. We already feel that."

The return of Jota from a long-term injury, making a substitute appearance against Motherwell, has also provided a significant boost. "It’s great. He’s obviously shown how good he is over the two spells here. We have missed him for a long time," Scales commented. "Even just the excitement he brings when he gets on the ball is brilliant. So it’s great to see him back."