Europa League Archives

Rangers 1-1 Braga: Martinez Goal Stops Rangers Getting First Europa League Win

A blustery night at Ibrox came to an end with both sides having to settle for a draw as Rangers and Braga played out a 1-1 draw at Ibrox. Rangers came into this one bottom of the Europa League League Phase with four losses from four, the latest being 0-2 at home against Roma. Braga were sitting 5th before kickoff with three wins and one loss in the competition, the last game being a 3-4 defeat at home to Belgian team Genk. Both teams made three changes from their last games, Max Aarons, Connor Barron and Youssef Chermiti replaced Jayden Meghoma, Thelo Aasgaard and Oliver Antman from Rangers’ win over Livingston. Lukas Hornicek, Bright Arri-Mbi and Rodrigo Zalazar were out for Alaa Bellaarouch, Victor Carvalho and Pau Victor for Braga from their last game, a 4-2 Portuguese cup win against Nacional. As the gusts of wind started to pick up around Ibrox, it was Braga who created the first real chance as Zalazar cut the ball back for Ricardo Horta who had his shot saved by Jack Butland. Horta is played through again but his touch lets him down and Butland can save Rangers again. Former Celtic player Gustaf Lagerbielke had a free header at the back post from a Horta cross but he couldn’t connect properly and it went wide. Rangers created their first real chance of the game ten minutes before half time as Mohammed Diomande did well to find space and play it to Danilo but his shot was poor and straight at the keeper Hornicek. Danny Rohl’s team started to build a bit more pressure as Barron played a long switch to Djeidi Gassama who had a shot saved and the rebound was put over the bar by James Tavernier. Rangers continued their purple patch of play as Sikou Niakate made a last ditch challenge on Gassama and even when the ball fell to Chermiti the Gers striker couldn’t quite squeeze it in. After a VAR check for a potential handball right on the stroke of half time after a Tavernier corner was met by the hand of Jean-Baptiste Gorby and a penalty was awarded to Rangers, Tavernier scored as he sent Hornicek the wrong way. As the second half started Rangers kept up their pressure from the end of the first, Diomande played the ball wide for Gassama but neither Chermiti or Danilo could score. An overhit corner was recycled by Aarons and Chermiti couldn’t hit the target from three yards out, the clearance was out to Gassama who forced a good save from Hornicek. After another VAR check Braga are reduced to 10 men as Zalazar is sent off for an off the ball headbutt on Nicolas Raskin. Braga got the equaliser just over 20 minutes from time as a hopeful cross was caught in the wind, then misjudged by Nasser Djiga and it fell to Gabri Martinez who slotted into the corner. Djiga almost made amends as he came close from only a few yards out but his header went wide after Fernandez won the ball from a deep corner. Good work continued from Rangers with Gassama crossing but Tavernier’s header was weak and easy to save. Yet another VAR check followed this time for a penalty to Braga after a potential handball against substitute Bojan Miovski but it’s not given. Rangers pushed to take the lead again with less than 10 minutes to play, good work from Miovski and Diomande but the latter’s shot was poor on the turn. Braga had a great chance to win it in added time as the wind again picked up the ball and nearly blew a corner straight in, when it came out to Gorby his shot was powerful from just inside the area but Butland punched the ball away. The teams were then levelled to 10 men each after Diomande was sent off for a second bookable offence after a poor challenge. The game ended 1-1 with both teams down to 10 men as Rangers pick up their first point in the Europa League for the season. This result lifted Rangers up to 33rd in the League Phase as Braga dropped to 7th in a game that Rangers will feel they should have got all three points from. RangersButland, Tavernier, Djiga, Fernandez, Aarons (Meghoma 89’), Raskin, Diomande sent off 90+5’, Barron (Miovski 77’), Danilo (Aasgaard 72’), Gassama, Chermiti (Antman 89’) Tavernier 45+3’ pen BragaHornicek, Gomez, Lagerbielke, Niakite, Arri-Mbi, Gorby (Moscardo 90+3’), Moutinho (Grillitsch 66’), Zalazar sent off 61’, Horta, Martinez (Carvalho 82’), Navarro (El Ouazzani 46’) Martinez 69’

November 28, 2025

Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic: Ruthless Celts Stun Dutch Giants

Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic Ueda (11′) Hyun-Jun (31′) Hatate (43′) Celtic shook De Kuip to record a crucial Europa League victory, in a potential send-off for interim manager Martin O’Neill. Feyenoord opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Sem Steijn gathered a Luciano Valente pass on the edge of Celtic’s box. The home captain showed composure, squaring the ball to Ayase Ueda, who finished low into the bottom left corner. The away side responded moments after the half-hour mark, with an efficient team move. Luke McCowan clipped a clever pass into the path of the onrushing Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder lofted the ball to the back post for Yang Hyun-Jun to volley home. Hatate put Celtic in dreamland on the stroke of halftime. Daizen Maeda pressured Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who rushed his clearance into Hatate’s path. The midfielder’s first-time strike nestled in the centre of the goal to give Martin O’Neill’s side an unlikely lead. Feyenoord threatened in the second half, but it was the visitors who scored next. The ball broke to Benjamin Nygren in the box after Celtic pressure, and the Swedish attacker finished high off the crossbar. The goal sent the visiting support into frenzy, and rounded off a superb away victory. The win lifted Celtic into 17th place in the Europa League standings. They return to Premiership action at Easter Road on Sunday. Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Lotomba (van Persie 81′) Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Smal (Nieuwkoop 62′) Valente (Timber 76′) Steijn, Targhalline, Moussa, Ueda, Sauer (Diarra 62′) Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan (Ralston 84′) Trusty, Scales, Tierney (Murray 70′) McGregor, Engels, Hatate (Bernardo 83′) Yang (Tounekti 71′) McCowan (Nygren 63′) Maeda

November 27, 2025

Celtic Back To Winning Ways After Stumping Sturm Graz

Celtic 2-1 Sturm Graz Horvat (15′) Scales (61′) Nygren (64′) Celtic got their first European win of the season as they came from behind to defeat Austrian champions Sturm Graz 2-1 at Celtic Park. Tomi Horvat scored a screamer to close the opening quarter of an hour but two corner routines three minutes apart created goals for Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren to move the Hoops into the top 24 of the league phase. It was a more characteristic performance from the Parkhead club who looked eager to right the wrongs of Sunday when they were deservedly beaten by Dundee. The hosts were stung in the opening two minutes when Kelechi Iheanacho fell to the ground with a muscle injury, and had to be replaced by Johnny Kenny. The Irishman chased down a long ball from a returning Alistair Johnston down the right flank on the 14th minute, and fashioned an opportunity for himself when he knicked the ball from Dimitri Lavalee. The angle was never favourable for the striker however, as his shot flashed wide. Just one minute later, Sturm Graz midfielder Horvat picked up the ball around 30 yards and unleashed a rocket with his left boot that landed into the top left corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal. The Dane came under a lot of criticism last time out for Celtic in the Europa League, but there was no stopping the Slovenian’s strike this time. Celtic were forced into another change just 25 minutes in, with the comeback of Alistair Johnston brought to devastatingly early end. The Canadian international looked gutted heading up the tunnel with a suspected hamstring injury, having not played due to a similar issue since Celtic’s home leg draw with Kairat Almaty in August. The Bhoys nearly levelled the scoring immediately after the restart. Reo Hatate broke forward and his left-footed half volley going over the bar woke the home crowd up. But the equaliser would come after a period of sustained pressure on the 61st minute. A short corner found its way inside the box to Colby Donovan, who’s low ball was met by Liam Scales and the Irishman pushed the ball into the bottom left corner with a deft finish. And Celtic put themselves ahead with another corner three minutes later. Arne Engels whipped a ball into the six yard box, and Benjamin Nygren rose highest to nod home. There was a roar of relief from the Swede, having missed four big chances leading up this. The visitors were reduced to ten men on the 70th minute. Tochi Chukwuani was beaten to the ball in a 50/50 by Callum McGregor and the Danish midfielder’s studs caught the Celtic captain too high on the shin for referee Juan Martinez’s liking. The result moves Celtic into the playoff section of the Europa League in 21st. They have three domestic bouts to hurdle, including the small matters of a trip to Tynecastle and Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, before their next European fixture away to Europa League leaders FC Midtjylland of Denmark. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Johnston 3 (Donovan 26′ 7), Carter-Vickers 6, Scales 7, Tierney 7, Hatate 5, Engels 8, McGregor 6, Nygren 6, Tounekti (Balikwisha 78′ 2) 6, Iheanacho 1 (Kenny 2′ 5) STURM GRAZ: Bignetti 5, Oermann 4 (Mitchell 46′ 4), Aiwu 6, Lavalee 5, Karic 5, Chukwuani 3, Stankovic 6, Horvat 7 (Kayombo 82′ 1), Rozga 5 (Hodl 59′ 3), Malone 6 (Jatta 59’4)

October 23, 2025

Brann 3-0 Rangers: Rohl Suited but Gers Booted in Norway

Brann 3-0 Rangers Kornvig (40′) Sørensen (55′) Holm (79′) Danny Rohl endured defeat in his opening game at the Rangers helm, as Norway’s SK Brann sprinted to a comfortable Europa League victory in Bergen. The new manager opted for two changes from the side who started Saturday’s draw against Dundee United. Nasser Djiga and Youssef Chermiti replaced Bojan Miovski and Derek Cornelius, as the new Ibrox manager urged his team to, “stick together” in his prematch interview with TNT Sports. The home side enjoyed a comfortable opening half, taking the lead in the 40th minute. Bard Finne raced onto a well-timed through ball which split the Rangers defence, his scuffed strike kindly broke into the path of Emil Kornvig who bundled home. Chermiti had missed a huge opportunity earlier in the game. Joe Rothwell’s clipped ball dropped kindly into the striker’s path, but the Portuguese could only glance his header into Mathias Dyngeland’s hands. Rohl would have hoped for a brighter start to the second half, but Brann picked up where they left off in the first, adding another goal in the 54th minute. Bard Finne was again involved, producing a whipped freekick from the left for Jacob Sørensen to head home. Noah Holm controlled a left sided cross in the 79th minute, slamming home the third and final blow for the visitors. The performance would have served a reality check for Rohl, simply put, he has a huge job to turn the Ibrox side’s fortunes. The result leaves Rangers winless in their opening three matches, they return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday against Kilmarnock. Brann: Dyngeland, De Roeve (Hansen 78′) Knudsen, Helland, Dragsnes, Kornvig, Sorensen (Sande 78′) Gudmundsson, Finne (Haaland 68′) Mathisen (Pedersen 68′) Holm (Remmem 85′) Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga (Cornelius 76′) Meghoma, Raskin, Rothwell (Barron 64′) Antman (Moore 56′) Aasgaard (Miovski 64′) Gassama, Chermiti (Danilo 76′)

October 23, 2025

Rangers Beaten in Graz as Misery Compounds for Under Pressure Martin

Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers Horvat (7′) Kiteishvili (35′) Gassama (49′) A first-half double from Sturm Graz ensured back-to-back Europa League defeats for Rangers, as their dismal season opening continues. The home side made a dream start in the 7th minute. After picking off a James Tavernier throw-in, they worked the ball to Tomi Horvat, whose shot went through Jack Butland in goal. The goalkeeper perhaps should have done better, but it was a disastrous start for Russell Martin’s side. Belmin Beganovic forced Butland into an important near-post save, as Sturm Graz looked to double their advantage soon after. Youssef Chermiti’s back post header crashed off the crossbar, as the visitors searched for the leveller after 17 minutes. Sturm Graz continued to control proceedings and added a second in the 35th minute. Rangers were caught off guard by a deep free kick, evading their entire defensive line. Otar Kiteishvili had acres of space to poke the ball past Butland. It was a clever finish by the Georgian, but a lack of concentration from the visitors played a huge part. Russell Martin turned to his bench at halftime, with Bojan Miovski and Max Aarons replacing Jayden Meghoma and Oliver Antman. The visitors started the second half on top. Djeidi Gassama latched onto Nico Raskin’s clipped pass, after cutting inside, and thumped a low shot past Oliver Christensen, offering some encouragement to the travelling fans behind the goal. Rangers submitted an improved second-half performance, but were let off several times by the Austrian attack. John Souttar almost secured a point in injury time, but Christensen reacts brilliantly to parry over his strike from close range. The defeat leaves Rangers with 0 points from their opening two Europa League matches. They return to domestic action at the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Questions remain for under-pressure Russell Martin, after another disappointing defeat. Sturm Graz: Christensen, Ooermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic, Stankovic, Horvat, Chukwuani, Kiteishvili, Malone, Beganovic Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Raskin, Barron, Aasgaard, Antman, Chermiti, Gassama

October 2, 2025

Horta and Martinez Strike as Celtic Slump to Braga Defeat

Celtic 0-2 Sporting Braga Horta (20′) Martinez (85′) A goal in each half secured a 2-0 victory for Sporting Braga over Celtic in the Europa League, drawing loud boos from the frustrated home support. Brendan Rodgers’ side produced a positive start, new signings Kelechi and Sebastian Tounekti linked after 13 minutes, but the latter’s strike was straight at Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. The chance encouraged the home faithful, but hopes evaporated as Braga dominated the remainder of the first half. Ricardo Horta gave the visitors the lead after 20 minutes. After collecting the ball in acres of space, he unleashed a dipping 30-yard strike which wrongfooted Kasper Schmeichel in goal. The Portuguese side had struggled in the early stages, but looked far more assured after Horta’s goal. They dominated the central areas, running Celtic’s midfield ragged. Florian Grillitsch had opportunities to double the lead close to halftime, but a powerful strike after 44 minutes was tipped over by Schmiechel. The Austrian midfielder had two close-range efforts blocked moments later. The halftime whistle brought boos from the home faithful. Despite a strong start, Rodgers’ side would have to improve to wrestle the game back in their favour from the confident visitors. Iheanacho thought he had brought Celtic level five minutes into the second period. The striker beat two Braga defenders to the ball and drove a low shot past Hornicek at the left-hand side of the box. The goal looked certain to stand, but a lengthy VAR check concluded that the Nigerian forward had handled the ball in the build-up. The decision stunned the home support, as the ball seemed to only connect with Iheanacho’s head. The incident ignited a quiet Celtic Park, and Callum McGregor’s close-range shot was expertly blocked as Rodgers’ side pressed for the equaliser. Kieran Tierney blocked a Horta strike and had his back-post header saved as both sides continued to attack. Hornicek was again on hand to save Tounekti’s bending effort aimed at the bottom right-hand corner. Braga doubled their lead in the 85th minute to seal the game. A flowing move eventually found its way to Gabi Martinez. The substitute’s effort rebounded to Dane Murray, who’s attempted clearance cannoned off Martinez, and past Schmeichel. Celtic were unable to force their way back into the game, leaving them with one point from their opening two Europa League matches. They have a chance to respond against Motherwell on Sunday afternoon. Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Bernardo, Nygren, Maeda, Iheanacho, Tounekti Braga: Hornicek, Da Rocha, Lagerbielke, Arrey-Mbi, Lelo, Grillitsch, Carvalho, Gorby, Victor, Horta, El Ouazzani

October 2, 2025

Celtic Welcome Braga to Celtic Park As They Seek European Success

Celtic Park is set for another dramatic European night on Thursday as they welcome Portuguese side Braga with the Bhoys seeking their first European victory of the season. The atmosphere promises to be unlike the usual thunder that greets the players under the lights. Supporters have announced plans to stage a 29-minute protest against the board, leaving an unusual hush around the stadium until close to the half-hour mark. It’s a gesture aimed at voicing frustration with the hierarchy, but it also creates a curious challenge for Brendan Rodgers’ side: how to seize control of a match without the instant backing of a roaring Parkhead crowd. On the footballing front, the stakes are clear. Celtic began their Europa League campaign with a 1–1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade. A solid enough result, but it leaves little margin for error at home. If the Hoops want to build momentum in a group that looks tight on paper, three points against Braga could be crucial. Braga, however, are no strangers to making life uncomfortable for opponents. They kicked off their group stage with a win, and while their domestic form has been patchy, they remain a team capable of springing surprises.They’re compact, disciplined, and more than capable of striking on the counter through players such as Ricardo Hortaand Fran Navarro. For Celtic, that means patience and concentration will be just as important as attacking flair. Rodgers doesn’t have fresh injury worries, but absences remain a storyline. Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty and Jota are long-term casualties, meaning Celtic have already had to adapt their defensive and attacking structure without them.The back line has looked relatively stable, but the question still lingers over whether Celtic can consistently unlock stubborn defences at this level. European nights often hinge on moments of sharpness in the final third, and that is where Celtic must deliver. Keys to the game feel straightforward yet decisive. An assertive start, even without the immediate roar of the stands, will be vital. Braga will look to ride out the opening half-hour, frustrate, and then grow into the contest. Celtic’s ability to stay compact when out of possession will matter too, as the Portuguese side thrive on transitions and quick breaks. Set-pieces may also play a role in what is likely to be a finely balanced encounter. Once the protest ends, Parkhead will explode into life, and that energy could swing momentum. But Rodgers and his players cannot afford to wait for the noise — they need to take command from the first whistle. Anything less risks handing Braga the belief they need to snatch a result. It won’t be straightforward, and it might not be pretty, but for Celtic this feels like a must-win night.

October 1, 2025

Ex Celtic Striker Seals Defeat for Rangers in Europa League Opener

Rangers 0-1 Genk Oh Hyeon-Gyu (55′) Rangers slipped to a narrow defeat against Genk in the Europa League, as their difficult season opening continued. The home side was reduced to 10 men after Mohamed Diomande lunged at Zakaria El Ouahdi on the stroke of halftime. Beforehand, John Souttar had gone close to opening the scoring, but his header was expertly cleared off the line thanks to a Bryan Heynen overhead kick. Genk had a golden chance to open the scoring after James Tavernier caught Yaimar Medina in the box, but Jack Butland was on hand to save Oh’s resultant penalty, keeping the scores level. The South Korean striker gave Genk the lead ten minutes into the second half, racing clear of the Rangers backline and drilling a low strike across Butland. Rangers were unable to find the equaliser. Heynen’s brilliant late save from Connor Barron’s strike was the closest they came. Rangers return to Premiership action against Livingston on Sunday afternoon, before a trip to Austria to face Sturm Graz in Europa League Matchday 2. Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma Raskin, Diomande, Aasgaard, Moore, Chermiti, Gassama Genk: Van Crombrugge, Medina, Kayembe, Sadick, Smets, El Ouahdi, Bangoura, Heynen, Hrosovsky, Steuckers, Oh

September 25, 2025

Aston Villa v Bologna : Match Preview

Aston Villa begin their Europa League campaign on Thursday night, hosting Italian outfit Bologna at Villa Park. A 6th-placed finish in the Premier League last campaign ensured Aston Villa would return to the Europa League for the first time since 2008/09. Villa narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot on the final day of last season, having suffered a 2-0 defeat against Man United at Old Trafford. Newcastle claimed the final UCL spot, finishing fifth on goal difference. Unai Emery’s side are no strangers to European football, as a third-consecutive European journey awaits the Villans. Aston Villa have had a difficult start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, playing five matches and failing to pick up a single win in any of those encounters, whilst only managing to find the net once. Losses against Brentford and Crystal Palace, whilst picking up draws against Newcastle, Everton and Sunderland, mean Villa are still in search of their first three points. Villa were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brentford in the third round after losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The game had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Harvey Elliott netting the only goal. Last time out Villa were made to settle for a point against 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon. Poland international Matty Cash rifled a superb long-distance strike beyond Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs to end Villa’s goal drought, before Wilson Isidor’s 75th-minute effort rescued a point for Sunderland. An insight into Bologna Villa’s opponents, Bologna will feature in the Europa League for the first time in twenty five years. Manager Vincenzo Italiano guided Bologna to a first major trophy in 51 years last season, as they enjoyed silverware success, defeating Italian giants AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italia final. Dan Ndoye’s decisive goal earned Bologna a place in this season’s Europa League. This will be the second consecutive season that Bologna are involved in a European competition, they featured in the UEFA Champions League last time around. The Serie A side were unable to make it out of the league phase after finishing 28th out of 36 teams. Their only victory came against Borussia Dortmund. Bologna’s start to the 2025/26 Serie A campaign has seen them experience mixed fortunes. Vincenzo Italiano’s team have played four matches, winning two and losing two. Both of Bologna’s victories have come at home — a 1-0 win over Como, while defeating Genoa 2-1 most recently. Their two defeats have come in away matches against Roma and AC Milan. Last time out Bologna secured a dramatic victory over Genoa on Saturday. Bologna were awarded a spot-kick in the 99th minute of the game, with the match finely poised at 1-1. Genoa winger Valentín Carboni was penalised for a handball after a VAR check. Bologna attacker Ricardo Orsolini would then make no mistake from 12 yards out to give Bologna all three points. Previous meetings The last meeting between these sides was as recent as last season. October 2024 saw Villa welcome Bologna to Villa Park in the league phase of the Champions League. Goals from John McGinn and Jhon Durán secured a 2-0 win for Villa that night. Team news Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott will be eager to make their first appearances in the Europa League for Aston Villa. Andres Garcia and Ross Barkley were involved in full training on Wednesday, while Belgian internationals Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana remain doubtful for this one. Nicolò Casale, Tommaso Pobega, Ibrahim Sulemana and Ciro Immobile are all set to miss Thursday’s Europa League opener, having been unavailable for Bologna’s last game. Right-back Lorenzo De Silvestri won’t feature, as he was left out of Bologna’s Europa League squad.

September 25, 2025

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.

September 24, 2025

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