Celtic travel to Portugal on Thursday night knowing they need a response in the Europa League, with Benfica waiting at the Estádio da Luz following an impressive opening victory over AC Milan.
Celtic head to Lisbon looking to turn their European fortunes around after a disappointing start to the 2026/27 Europa League campaign.
Martin O’Neill’s side suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Ferencváros in their opening league-phase fixture, leaving the Scottish champions chasing their first points of the competition ahead of a demanding trip to one of Portugal’s biggest clubs.
Benfica, meanwhile, made an immediate statement on the European stage by beating AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro. The result underlined the threat Celtic will face, with the Portuguese side arriving with confidence and home advantage firmly on their side.
However, Celtic have received a timely boost domestically, and they will be hoping to carry that momentum into Thursday’s encounter.
Celtic Looking to Build on Motherwell Victory
Celtic ended a difficult run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-0 victory away to Motherwell on Sunday, with goals from Camilo Duran and Benjamin Nygren helping O’Neill’s side return to winning ways.
The result also sent Celtic back to the top of the Scottish Premiership and offered some much-needed encouragement ahead of their European assignment.
There was further positive news with Jota making his long-awaited return after 533 days out with a cruciate ligament injury. His comeback provides another option for O’Neill as Celtic look to find their attacking rhythm.
The challenge now is to reproduce that improved performance against significantly stronger opposition.
Celtic will need greater defensive discipline than they showed against Ferencváros, while their ability to retain possession and make the most of attacking opportunities could prove crucial in an intimidating European atmosphere.
Benfica Arrive With Confidence
Benfica could hardly have asked for a better start to their Europa League campaign.
Their 2-0 victory over AC Milan at San Siro provided an early statement of intent, with goals from Kacper Kamiński and Dodi Lukébakio securing all three points.
The Portuguese side will now look to maintain that momentum in front of their own supporters, knowing another victory would strengthen their position in the league phase.
The Estádio da Luz is a challenging venue for visiting teams, and Celtic face a side capable of punishing defensive mistakes while creating problems through sustained attacking pressure.
Benfica have also enjoyed a strong recent run of results, making this a significant examination of Celtic’s European ambitions.
For O’Neill’s men, remaining organised without surrendering too much territory will be essential. Allowing Benfica to dictate the tempo could make for a difficult evening, but Celtic have previously demonstrated that they can produce strong performances away from home in Europe.
Carter-Vickers Absence Presents Defensive Challenge
Celtic will be without Cameron Carter-Vickers for the trip to Portugal after the centre-back was ruled out through injury.
His absence represents a setback for O’Neill, particularly against opposition possessing the attacking quality of Benfica.
Dane Murray partnered Liam Scales during the victory over Motherwell, and Scales has backed the young defender to make an impression if called upon again.
Scales has also acknowledged the importance of Thursday’s fixture, admitting Celtic have a point to prove following their opening European defeat.
The Irish international pointed to Celtic’s 3-1 away victory over Feyenoord last season as an example of the level they can reach on the European stage.
Reproducing that kind of performance in Lisbon would give the travelling supporters plenty of encouragement.
What Celtic Must Get Right
Celtic cannot afford another slow start after the disappointment against Ferencváros.
Defensive concentration will be particularly important, with the visitors needing to limit Benfica’s opportunities while remaining composed when playing out from the back.
At the other end, Celtic must make their attacking moments count. Finding the right balance between pressing aggressively and maintaining defensive shape could determine whether they leave Portugal with a result.
The recent win over Motherwell offers a platform to build on, but Benfica will present a different level of technical quality and intensity.
A positive result would represent a significant step towards getting Celtic’s Europa League campaign moving in the right direction. Another defeat, however, would leave them with plenty of ground to recover in the remaining league-phase fixtures.
Benfica vs Celtic: Match Information
- Competition: UEFA Europa League, league phase, Matchday 2
- Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
- Kick-off: 8pm UK time
- UK television: TNT Sports
Celtic travel to Lisbon with a point to prove, renewed domestic confidence and a difficult European challenge ahead. Benfica will start as formidable opponents on home soil, but the Scottish champions have an opportunity to show that their opening defeat does not define their European campaign.
All eyes will be on Lisbon as Celtic look to deliver a performance that can reignite their Europa League ambitions.
