Celtic suffered another disappointing European night after losing 2-1 to Celta Vigo at Celtic Park on Thursday, October 22, 2026, despite taking the lead shortly after half-time.
Mika Baur put the Scottish champions ahead in the 47th minute, but Celta Vigo defender Javi Rodríguez struck twice in quick succession to complete a comeback and secure all three points for the Spanish side.
Rodríguez equalised with a header in the 68th minute before firing home a powerful long-range effort three minutes later to leave the home supporters stunned.
The result marked Celtic’s third consecutive defeat in the UEFA Europa League, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side without a point from their opening three matches in the competition.
Mika Baur Gives Celtic the Lead
Celtic started the second half with renewed energy and took the lead just two minutes after the restart.
Haissem Hassan drove forward down the right flank before delivering a cross into the penalty area. The ball was cleared only as far as Baur, who reacted quickly to fire a powerful effort into the bottom corner.
The goal lifted the atmosphere at Celtic Park and gave the hosts hope of securing their first points of the European campaign.
Celtic subsequently came close to extending their advantage when Liam Scales met another Hassan cross with a header that struck the crossbar.
That missed opportunity proved costly as Celta Vigo soon found a way back into the contest.
Javi Rodríguez Scores Twice in Three Minutes
Celta Vigo responded in the 68th minute when Rodríguez rose to meet a free-kick delivered by Hugo Álvarez.
The defender directed a header beyond goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to level the score at 1-1.
The visitors did not have to wait long to take the lead. Just three minutes later, Celtic failed to clear the danger, allowing Rodríguez to collect the ball outside the penalty area and unleash a powerful strike into the net.
His second goal completed the turnaround and gave Celta Vigo a 2-1 advantage.
Celtic attempted to find an equaliser during the closing stages, but the Spanish side defended their lead to secure a valuable away victory.
Celtic’s European Struggles Continue
The defeat added to Celtic’s difficulties in this season’s Europa League.
The Hoops entered the fixture hoping to recover from their opening losses, but another setback left them among the teams yet to earn a point after three matches in the league phase.
Celtic had enjoyed a convincing 7-1 domestic victory over Hearts before facing Celta Vigo, but they were unable to carry that attacking form into European competition.
The contrast between their domestic performance and European results will concern the coaching staff as the team looks to regain consistency.
Celtic also had opportunities to change the outcome against Celta Vigo. Scales’ header against the crossbar could have made the score 2-0, while the hosts struggled to regain control after conceding the equaliser.
Martin O’Neill Frustrated After Another Defeat
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill expressed frustration with the result and questioned the referee’s decision in the build-up to Celta Vigo’s equaliser.
O’Neill argued that Celtic should have received a free-kick shortly before the visitors were awarded the set-piece that led to Rodríguez’s first goal.
However, the manager also acknowledged that his team needed to respond more effectively after conceding.
He said Celtic had lost momentum following the equaliser and emphasised the importance of remaining composed against technically capable European opponents.
O’Neill maintained that Celtic could still collect enough points to progress, but acknowledged that the team needed to start winning matches.
The manager’s comments reflected the frustration surrounding another European defeat, particularly after Celtic had taken the lead and created an opportunity to double their advantage.
Celta Vigo Secure First Europa League Win
For Celta Vigo, the comeback represented an important result after a difficult start to their European campaign.
The Spanish club had entered the match without a point from their first two league-phase fixtures, making the victory in Glasgow particularly significant.
Rodríguez’s two goals proved decisive, while the visitors’ response after falling behind demonstrated their ability to recover from a difficult position.
The win gives Celta Vigo renewed hope of progressing in the competition as they prepare for their next European fixture.
What’s Next for Celtic?
Celtic must quickly turn their attention to domestic football, with a Scottish Premiership meeting against Hibernian scheduled for Sunday.
The team will be looking to recover from the European disappointment and restore confidence ahead of its remaining fixtures.
In the Europa League, Celtic face an increasingly difficult task after losing their first three matches. O’Neill’s side will need to collect points in the remaining games if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The manager remains hopeful that his players can respond, but the latest defeat underlines the importance of turning promising performances into results.
Conclusion
Celtic’s Europa League campaign suffered another setback as Celta Vigo came from behind to win 2-1 at Celtic Park.
Baur gave the hosts the lead early in the second half, but Rodríguez’s quickfire double transformed the contest and handed the Spanish side their first points of the campaign.
Celtic remain without a point after three Europa League matches, leaving O’Neill and his players with little room for further mistakes as they attempt to revive their European hopes.