Iheanacho Earns Celtic Draw in Opening Europa League Tie

Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Celtic Arnautović (65′)          Iheanacho (55′) Celtic’s Europa League journey began with a draw in Serbia against Red Star Belgrade. Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench at halftime to give his side the lead on 55 minutes. Benjamin Nygren found the striker in the box, who finished high past Matheus following a smart touch. Red Star replied ten minutes later, after Marko Arnautovic bundled home a corner kick. Brendan Rodgers praised his side for “showing great resilience” in the hostile Stadion Rajko Mitić, and hailed Iheanacho’s goal as “outstanding”. The Scottish champions return to league action against Hibernian on Saturday, before their 2nd Europa League match against Sporting Braga at Celtic Park. Red Star Belgrade: Matheus, Seol, Uchanna, Veljkovic, Tiknizyan, Handel, Elsnik, Radonjic, Duarte, Ivanic, Arnautovic. Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Yang, Maeda, Tounekti.

Bhoys Put Four Past The Jags to Secure Semi-Final Hampden Trip

Partick Thistle 0-4 Celtic Yang (26′) Scales (28′) Tounekti (46′) McCowan (79′) Defending Champions Celtic have secured their place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals with a win against Partick Thistle. First-half goals from Yang and Scales were enough to put the bhoys in the driving seat, and they added to that in the second half with goals from Tounekti and McCowan.  In the first half, Celtic dominated possession from the start, with new signing Tounekti showing promising attacking intent. Despite Celtic’s control, the opening 20 minutes saw them struggling to convert possession into clear chances. Partick Thistle, on the other hand, absorbed the pressure, waiting for counter-attacking opportunities. The deadlock broke in the 26th minute when Yang headed home a cross from Nygren. This goal ignited Celtic, who quickly added a second in the 28th minute, with Liam Scales heading in another Nygren cross. Celtic continued to look dangerous, though the pace slowed before halftime. A couple of uncharacteristic errors from Cameron Carter-Vickers briefly threatened the Celtic goal towards the end of the half. The second half opened with fan protests against the Celtic board, but the team quickly added to their lead. Just after the restart, new signings Tounekti and Iheanacho combined for Tounekti’s first goal, making it 3-0. Iheanacho, who had been quiet, became more influential. With the game effectively decided, Celtic controlled possession without pressing intensely. The third goal early in the half drained much of the game’s momentum. In the 80th minute, a defensive error from Thistle allowed substitutes Balikwisha and McCowan to combine for Celtic’s fourth goal. Celtic’s 4-0 victory, a fair reflection of their dominance, secured their spot in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals. Despite off-field fan discontent, new signings proved impactful, and the team showed an improved performance. They now face their rivals, Rangers, in the Semi-Finals on November 1st. It was not to be for the Jags today, and they now turn their attention back to the Championship, where if they win their two games in hand, they can go joint top of the league.   Partick Thistle: Budinauckas, Logan, Ashcroft, O’ Reilly, Reading, Crawford, Stanway, Letsosa, Chalmers, Watt, Fitzpatrick Celtic: Sinisalo, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Yang, Iheanacho, Tounekti Attendance: 8817

Old Firm Collide in League Cup Semi Final Draw

Rangers and Celtic will meet in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals after Brendan Rodgers’ side comfortably defeated Partick Thistle on Sunday afternoon. The Gers progressed to the final four after a 2-0 home victory against Hibernian on Saturday evening. The other semi-final sees St Mirren and Motherwell clash, following their away victories against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen. The matches are scheduled for the weekend of November 1st/2nd at Hampden. Full Draw: Motherwell v St Mirren Celtic v Rangers

Crunchtime for Thelin after Aberdeen League Cup Exit

Aberdeen’s difficult start to the season shows no signs of letting up. Following yesterday’s 1-0 League Cup defeat to Motherwell, and with the Dons bottom of the Scottish Premiership, the pressure is mounting ahead of a massive week of away games at Tannadice and Fir Park. A pressing issue is the lack of goals. They have been shut out in all four league matches so far, which must improve if they are to challenge for the Scottish Cup and the top six. Their European campaign offered a brief glimmer of hope when they overturned a two-goal deficit at home against Romanian opponents FCSB. But after a 3-0 loss in Bucharest, they face a huge Conference League challenge against the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Strasbourg, and Sparta Prague Even with talented new additions such as Jesper Karlsson, Stuart Armstrong, and Kevin Nisbet, the team has been toothless in front of goal, failing to capitalise on their limited opportunities. The numbers are bleak for Thelin, with a record of just 10 wins in their last 40 games. A combined total of only six shots on target in their last three matches against Falkirk, Livingston, and Motherwell is a reality check of their struggles. The mood is shifting among the supporters, with some already calling for manager Jimmy Thelin to be replaced, suggesting his past success has simply been masking deeper issues.

Returning Raskin Stars for Rangers in Welcome League Cup Victory over Hibs

Rangers 2-0 Hibernian Raskin (42′) Miovski (45+2′) Two late first-half goals saw Rangers progress to the League Cup semi-finals over David Gray’s Hibernian. The home side started positively in front of a sparse Ibrox crowd. Nicolas Raskin returned to the Rangers side following a brief absence and dragged the first shot of the match wide after 5 minutes. Following a pre-match protest outside Ibrox, a section of the home faithful continued their revolt in the 11th minute, throwing objects onto the park to disrupt proceedings. Hibs grew into the game and had the first major chance on the 15-minute mark. Josh Mulligan drove at the Rangers’ backline before sliding Kieron Bowie through on goal. The striker rounded Jack Butland at an angle, opting to lay off for Martin Boyle, who sidefooted over. Boyle had the ball in the net on 19 minutes, rolling past Butland from Dylan Levitt’s pass. VAR correctly disallowed the opener, as the Australian attacker had controlled the pass with his hand. Nicky Cadden crashed a free kick into the wall after the half-hour mark as the game remained goalless. Rangers had shown positive signs but still lacked a cutting edge in attack. That changed after 41 minutes, courtesy of Raskin. The Belgian international headed home James Tavernier’s corner kick to the delight of the home support. Boyle had a golden chance to equalise moments later, but steered a trademark Cadden cross wide. Bojan Miovski doubled the lead in stoppage time. The ball broke to the Macedonian after positive play by Mikey Moore, slotting home for his first Rangers goal. Martin’s side started the second half exactly how they ended the first, as Djeidi Gassama curled a powerful strike off the crossbar. Grant Hanley cleared Miovski’s shot off the line soon after, as Rangers searched for the goal that would finalise the tie. Despite the lead, Rangers looked fragile defensively. Kieron Bowie easily found room in the penalty box from a long ball, but bobbled his shot wide. Miovski thought he had scored his second goal and Rangers’ third, but was flagged offside in the Hibs box. David Gray turned to his bench in an attempt to overturn the deficit. Substitute Thibault Klidje found Bowie in the box, but Dean Cornelius blocked the striker’s left-footed shot. Raskin was a standout for Rangers, adding personality and swagger to the home side’s midfield. He exited the field to a standing ovation after a starring performance. Youssef Chermiti raced clear in the 88th minute as Hibs pushed men forward. The striker’s shot was blocked by the foot of Raphael Salliinger. The full-time whistle secured Rangers’ first win in five, the win will ease some of the magnified pressure on Martin’s shoulders. They return to Ibrox on Thursday, opening their Europa League campaign against Genk. David Gray will be disappointed that his side couldn’t convert any of their major chances. They will have the opportunity to rectify this defeat at Falkirk Stadium on Tuesday night Rangers: Butland 6 Tavernier 7 Souttar 6 Cornelius 6 Meghoma 6 Raskin 7 Diomande 6 Aasgaard 6 Moore 7 Miovski 7 Gassama 6 Substitutes: Barron 6 Antman 5 Chermiti 5 Curtis Bajrami Hibernian:Sallinger 6 Hanley 7 Bushiri 6 Obita 6 Mulligan 6 Levitt 6 Chaiwa 6 N Cadden 6 McGrath 6 Boyle 6 Bowie 6 Substitutes: Barlaser 6 Hoilett 6 Klidje 5 C Cadden 5 Molotnikov 5

Second Half Screamer Secures League Cup Semi for Motherwell

Aberdeen 0-1 Motherwell Charles-Cook (63′) Motherwell joined St Mirren in the League Cup semi-final, beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and piling more pressure on Jimmy Thelin. Regan Charles-Cook’s first goal for Jens Berthel Askou’s side proved to be the difference-maker, his arrowing strike found the top corner to secure the win in the second half. Tawanda Maswinhise was involved in the build-up and went close to scoring earlier in the game when he hit the post. Despite some promising attacks, Aberdeen’s goal drought continued. The Dons’ best chances came from Nicky Devlin and Mats Knoester, both of whom struck efforts off the woodwork in a frustrating afternoon for the home side. The crucial victory was a relief for Motherwell after a string of five straight league draws, validating Askou’s entertaining philosophy at Fir Park. Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Knoester, Dorrington, Gyamfi, Shinnie, Armstrong, Karlsson, Aouchiche, Keskinen, Nisbet. Motherwell: Ward, O’Donnell, Gordon, Welsh, Longelo, Watt, Fadinger, Said, Charles-Cook, Maswanhise, Stamatelopoulos

Late Iheanacho Penalty Secures Narrow Celtic Victory over Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock 1-2 Celtic Watson (83′)                          Maeda (56′) Ineanacho (90+6′ pen) A stoppage time penalty ensured Celtic’s return to the top of the Scottish Premiership, as Kilmarnock suffered their first league defeat. A large portion of Celtic fans emerged into the Chadwick Stand after 12 minutes, part of their planned protest against the Celtic board. They hadn’t missed any action; their side had dominated the early exchanges but lacked clear-cut chances. Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell has only registered one managerial victory over Celtic in eleven attempts, but would have been pleased with his side’s structure and organisation. Summer signing Sebastian Tounekti looked lively in moments on the left. He met Callum McGregor’s clipped ball on the half-hour mark, but could not direct it goalwards for the game’s first chance. Colby Donovan was rewarded with a first Celtic start and had positive moments from right-back. He was unable to direct Benjamin Nygren’s cross goalwards in the 33rd minute. Tounekti continued as Celtic’s prominent attacking threat. He played a neat one-two on the left but blazed his strike high and wide. Cameron Carter-Vickers tested Max Stryjek from 25 yards after 41 minutes, but it had been a dire opening period in the pouring Ayrshire rain. Celtic broke the deadlock after 57 minutes, Saracchi delivered a teasing cross for Daizen Maeda to glance home. The Japanese striker had endured a quiet afternoon, but his clever movement across Robbie Deas left Stryjek rooted to the spot. Tounekti continued to carry a threat, continually testing James Brown on Kilmarnock’s right. His low cross on 68 minutes struck Deas’ arm in the six-yard box, but was waved off by VAR. Kilmarnock rarely threatened but almost drew level minutes later. Nygren stretched to divert Marcus Dackers’ cross towards his own goal, luckily it was the other side of Kasper Schmiechel’s right post. Celtic’s fanbase may be disappointed by their lack of transfer action, but will be greatly encouraged by Tounekti. He continued to threaten, dragging a right-footed side wide on 73 minutes. Despite Celtic’s lead, Kilmarnock still had chances to maintain their unbeaten league start. Schmiechel had to be alert to Brown’s whipped right-foot cross as they searched for an equaliser. They drew level after 82 minutes through David Watson. The Scotland Under-21 international crashed home Greg Kiltie’s outswinging corner to send the home fans wild. The homeside had their tails up, another Kiltie cross was narrowly missed before Bruce Anderson’s dragged shot. Marley Watkins was next to test Schmiechel. He dispossessed Callum McGregor on the edge of the box, but the resultant strike was pushed behind. Celtic were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time. James Forrest’s strike deflected off Lewis Mayo’s arm, which was eventually deemed correct by VAR. Kelechi Ịheanachọ placed the ball high into Stryjek’s goal, sparking delight amongst the travelling contingent. Player Ratings Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7 Brown 6 Mayo 6 Stanger 6 Deas 7 Thompson 6 Polworth 7 McKenzie 6 Watson 7 Daniels 7 Dackers 7 Substitutes: Thomson 5 Kiltie 6 Anderson 5 Watkins 5 Williams 5 Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Donovan 7 Carter-Vickers 6 Scales 6 Saracchi 7 McGregor 6 Hatate 6 Nygren 6 Balikwisha 4 Tounekti 7 Maeda 6 Substitutes: Tierney 6 Forrest 6 Ịheanachọ 6 McCowan 5 Yang 5

Hibs and Dundee United Share Six Goals After Late VAR Drama

Hibernian 3 – 3 Dundee United Kucherenko (27′ OG) Bowie (51′) McGrath (86′ pen)  Stephenson (15′, 47′) Sapsford (44′) A late Jamie McGrath penalty ensured a point each for Hibs and Dundee United in a high-octane Easter Road meeting. The teams emerged into a raucous Easter Road atmosphere, with Hibs celebrating their club’s 150th anniversary. The home side started brightly, with Josh Mulligan curling an early free kick just over the crossbar. Hibs continued to press, and Martin Boyle had a powerful strike blocked by the Dundee United defence after a knockdown from Warren O’Hora. Boyle was involved again shortly after, gathering a flick from Kieron Bowie but only managing a weak effort that was easily collected by goalkeeper Yehvenii Kucherenko. Slightly against the run of play, Dundee United took the lead in the 15th minute. Luca Stephenson met Will Ferry’s cross to head past Jordan Smith. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, much to the delight of the large contingent of travelling fans. Hibs levelled in the 27th minute, when a Rocky Bushiri header was bundled into his own net by Kucherenko. Dundee United continued to threaten, primarily through the dangerous trio of Zac Sapsford, Amar Fatah and Ivan Dolcek. Panutche Camara stole the ball from Dylan Levitt, but Sapsford’s subsequent shot was tipped wide by Smith. Stephenson had a chance for his second of the evening, but his low effort was saved by Smith’s feet. Bowie has three goals in all competitions this season, and had two opportunities to add to his tally before halftime. Unfortunately for him, Kucherenko saved both his deflected strike and a diving header to keep the score level. The visitors restored their lead after 44 minutes. After rounding Smith, Ivan Dolcek unselfishly laid the ball off to Sapsford, who slotted it home to send the away section into a frenzy. Dundee United got the perfect start to the second period, with Stephenson grabbing his second goal of the evening just two minutes in. The Liverpool loanee guided Fatah’s low cross to make it 3-1. Hibs responded moments later when Bowie robbed the United defence and scored with a left-footed strike. The goal was eventually awarded after a lengthy VAR check. Hibs almost equalised in the 56th minute. Substitute Junior Hoilett met a fizzing cross from Cadden, only to be denied by a strong hand from Kucherenko. After the hour mark, Dundee United raced forward. Dolcek offloaded the ball to Vicko Sevelj, whose right-footed shot was palmed behind by Smith. Despite conceding five goals, both goalkeepers had made some remarkable saves throughout the match. Bowie had a golden chance to level the score in the 73rd minute. The striker had plenty of time to meet Hoilett’s dinked cross at the back post, but glanced the header agonisingly wide. Hibs enjoyed a period of possession as they searched for the equaliser, but Goodwin’s side remained well-structured, frequently threatening on the counterattack. Hibs finally drew level in the 86th minute when Sevelj was given a straight red card for a handball in the box. This awarded McGrath the chance to level proceedings from the penalty spot. After a short wait, the midfielder calmly drove the ball into Kucherenko’s bottom corner. With seven minutes of additional time, both teams pushed for a winner. Stephenson had an opportunity to complete his hat-trick after racing through, but Smith spread himself well to deflect the shot behind. Bowie had a penalty shout waved off after being dragged down in the six-yard box, and Kucherenko made one last crucial save, tipping a Hoilett header over the bar. The final whistle brought an end to an exhausting and thrilling match between two exciting sides. Hibernian: Smith 6 Cadden 6 O’Hora 6 Bushiri 6 Iredale 6 N. Cadden 7 Boyle 6 Mulligan 6 Levitt 6 McGrath 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Hoilett 6 Klidje 6 Barlaser 6 Obita 5 Campbell 5 Dundee United: Kucherenko 6 Esselink 6 Iovu 6 Sevelj 5 Keresztes 6 Dolcek 7 Ferry 6 Camara 7 Fatah 7 Sapsford 7 Stephenson 6 Substitutes: Möller 5 Naamo 5

Hibernian and Dundee United Shift Attention to Domestic Football after European Excursions

Scottish Premiership action returns on Saturday following the international break, as Hibs welcome Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United to Easter Road on Saturday evening. David Gray’s Hibs will be eager to claim their second victory of the 2025/26 campaign in front of a bumper crowd inside Easter Road. The Easter Road outfit currently occupies third place, having played three league matches so far, winning one and drawing the other two. The Edinburgh side had played all of those games on the back of European ties, as they were involved in the second qualifying round of the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League qualifiers respectively. Despite an impressive showing in the majority of their European qualifiers, Hibs were denied a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League at the expense of last season’s quarter-finalists Legia Warsaw, as the Polish side prevailed 5-4 on aggregate. Hibs are coming into this encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren. Centre-back Rocky Bushiri netted in the 70th minute to cancel out Miguel Freckleton’s opener for the Saints. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United sit in fourth place, with just one point separating them from their opponents on Saturday. Dundee United were also involved in European action throughout the summer. After finishing fourth last season, they entered the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. Luxembourg outfit Una Strassen were their opponents, as Dundee United progressed 2-0 on aggregate, which set up a two-legged tie with Rapid Wien in the third qualifying round. United gave a solid account of themselves in both ties against Rapid Wien. However, Goodwin’s side fell just short of a Conference League play-off spot, losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the second leg at Tannadice. Most recently, Dundee United claimed all three points in the first Dundee Derby of the season following a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from summer arrivals Ivan Dolček and Zac Sapsford. Twelve Hibs players were away on international duty, and each player’s fitness is set to be monitored ahead of Saturday, with Joe Newell remaining sidelined. Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic loanees Dan Barlaser and Zach Mitchell could make their Hibernian debuts. Dundee United are missing several players: Max Watters, Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski, and Ross Graham are all out with hamstring injuries, whilst Isaac Pappoe will also miss out.

Warriors Score 40 Against Saints to Round off Pre Season Preparations

Glasgow Warriors 40 – 31 Northampton Saints GW: Lancaster (16′)  Oliver (26′)  Hiddleston (32′, 38′) Matthews (65′) McKay (72′) NS: Chick (6′) Pearson 12′, 19′) Hendy (30′, 42′) The Warriors scored 6 tries in an entertaining pre-season run-out against the Saints After a warm reception for the home side, it was the visitors who took control of the early exchanges. Callum Chick powered over in 6 minutes courtesy of strong play by the Northampton forwards. The Saints continued to attack, and after working through the phases, Tom Pearson dived over for their second on 12 minutes. The home side forced their way back into the game. After a strong burst from Ollie Smith, Dan Lancaster raced over to cut the deficit. However, the new boy was unable to convert his own try, as it crashed off the left upright. Despite Lancaster’s try, Northampton continued to press, and Pearson crossed for his second to extend the lead to 19-5. Scotland under-20’s Fergus Watson produced a moment of brilliance for the Warriors after 25 minutes. He jinked through several yellow jerseys and offloaded to Jack Oliver, who dived over for their second. After Lancaster’s conversion, the score was 19-12. The Northampton Saints added another try on the half-hour mark to extend their lead further. They had shown positive signs in the first half, but the home side ended the half stronger. Gregor Hiddleston drove over as the Warriors, and his Lancaster’s accurate conversion, the deficit was five. The Warriors had further chances on the stroke of halftime, and Hiddleston added his second in the 38th minute. Another conversion from Lancaster gave Glasgow a 26-24 lead. The Saints started the second half quickly. Todaro broke through a hole, and the ball was worked wide for Hendy to finish. The Warriors looked to respond after promising pressure, but their efforts were cut short after a knock on. Glasgow increased their physicality in the second period, switching their entire front row, including the introduction of Johnny Matthews. They enjoyed a period of sustained control as they looked to strike back, and after Luke Green was sent to the bin, Matthews drove over in the corner. Lancaster added the conversion to give a slender 33-31 lead to the home side. Josh McKay extended the total to 40 points after strong running from the Warriors’ backs. Glasgow Warriors: McBeth, Hiddleston, Richardson, Williamson, Samuel, Ferrie (c), Duncan, Dempsey, Afshar, Lancaster, Smith, Yule, Johnston, Watson, McKay Northampton Saints: Iyogun, Wright, Kundiowa, Prowse, Lockett, Pearson, Graham, Chick, McParland, Belleau, Caqusau,  Thame, Hutchison, Todaro, Ramm