Mika Baur fired Celtic in front early in the second half, but two goals from Javi Rodríguez in the space of three minutes turned the game on its head as Celta Vigo claimed a damaging Europa League victory at Celtic Park.
Celtic’s Europa League campaign suffered another setback on Thursday night as Celta Vigo came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in Glasgow, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side still searching for their first points in the competition.
After producing an emphatic 7-1 Scottish Premiership victory over Hearts at the weekend, Celtic had the opportunity to carry that confidence into Europe. Instead, they were left frustrated after failing to capitalise on a promising position, with a devastating spell midway through the second half proving decisive.
The defeat marks Celtic’s third consecutive loss in this season’s Europa League league phase, leaving their hopes of progressing increasingly precarious.
Celtic start brightly but fail to find a breakthrough
The hosts looked to build on their domestic performance, but clear-cut opportunities were limited during the opening period.
Celta Vigo threatened early, with Colby Donovan blocking a dangerous Javi Rueda delivery in the 12th minute before Mika Baur got in the way of an Iago Aspas effort three minutes later.
Celtic supporters believed their side should have been awarded a free-kick around the 23rd minute when Callum Osmand went down following contact from Javi Rueda near the penalty area. The referee waved play on, prompting protests from the home crowd.
Celtic struggled to turn their attacking moments into meaningful chances before the interval. Osmand fired over after a promising opportunity in the 43rd minute, while Sam Johnstone was called into action a minute later to deny Ferran Jutglà.
Both sides went into the break level, with Celtic needing greater precision in the final third to make home advantage count.
Baur gives Celtic the perfect start to the second half
Celtic found the breakthrough just two minutes after the restart.
Haissem Hassan delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, with a deflection causing problems for the Celta defence. The ball fell kindly for Baur, who reacted quickly to sweep home and send Celtic Park into celebration.
The goal offered O’Neill’s side a platform to take control of the contest, and they came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage in the 63rd minute.
Liam Scales rose to meet another Hassan delivery, but his header struck the crossbar. Had the effort found the net, Celtic would have been two goals ahead and in a commanding position.
That missed opportunity would prove costly.
Rodríguez turns the game around in three minutes
Celta Vigo responded with a ruthless spell that completely changed the outcome of the match.
In the 68th minute, Rodríguez met a free-kick with a header that beat Johnstone to bring the visitors level. Celtic were left frustrated by the decision that led to the set-piece, but the equaliser exposed the importance of defending the delivery and the subsequent action.
Just three minutes later, the Spanish side struck again.
Celtic failed to clear the danger, allowing Rodríguez to find space outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful drive beyond Johnstone. The strike completed his brace and put Celta Vigo 2-1 ahead, stunning the home supporters.
Having looked capable of securing a valuable European result, Celtic suddenly found themselves chasing the game.
The quickfire double highlighted a familiar problem for the Hoops in Europe: moments of promise have not been followed by the defensive resilience needed to turn competitive performances into results.
Celtic unable to find a response
Celtic attempted to recover during the closing stages, but Celta Vigo managed the game effectively after moving in front.
James Forrest helped create a late opportunity for Donovan in the 85th minute, although the effort lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Ionuț Radu.
The hosts continued to search for an equaliser, but the visitors held firm to secure all three points.
For Celtic, the disappointment will be compounded by the fact that they had led the match and struck the woodwork while searching for a second goal. Their inability to make that advantage count proved decisive against opponents who punished their defensive lapses.
European pressure builds for O’Neill
The result leaves Celtic without a point after their opening three Europa League fixtures, placing significant pressure on their remaining campaign.
Their domestic form offers some encouragement. Celtic remain four points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership following their impressive victory over Hearts, but translating that level of performance into European results remains a major challenge.
O’Neill insisted after the match that his side could still progress, pointing to the opportunities they created and the points still available.
However, Celtic will need to respond quickly. The missed opportunity against Celta Vigo is another reminder that promising spells alone are not enough at this level, particularly when defensive errors can change a match so dramatically.
Attention now turns back to domestic action, with Celtic travelling to Easter Road to face Hibernian on Sunday.
After another difficult European night, the Hoops will be looking for an immediate response as they attempt to protect their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Full-time: Celtic 1-2 Celta Vigo
Goals: Mika Baur (47′); Javi Rodríguez (68′, 71′).
SNN Sports verdict: Celtic had the lead, hit the crossbar and looked capable of taking something from the match. But a three-minute defensive collapse changed everything. Until the Hoops can turn their European opportunities into consistent results, their continental campaign will remain an uphill battle.
