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