Celtic to host Celta Vigo in high-stakes Europa League clash

Celtic will face Celta Vigo at Celtic Park on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in a crucial UEFA Europa League league phase match. Both teams enter the fixture seeking their first points of the competition after suffering consecutive defeats in their opening two matches.

Celtic arrives following a dominant 7-1 domestic victory over Hearts, which helped maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. However, defensive concerns remain after conceding seven goals across their first two European outings against Ferencvaros and Benfica. Manager Martin O’Neill is expected to be absent from media duties due to a personal matter, with Shaun Maloney handling press responsibilities.

Celta Vigo, led by Claudio Giráldez, also seeks a breakthrough after losses to Omonia Nicosia and Juventus. The Spanish side enters the match with a boost as attacker Pablo Durán has been cleared to play following a calf injury, though Álvaro Núñez remains an injury concern. The match marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since 2002.