Celtic’s Europa League prospects look bleak after going down to a 2-1 defeat from Celta Vigo.
Pointless after three matches the hoops will need to do what no side has ever done before by salvaging a Play Off place by finishing in the top 24 of the 36 team group.
After losing out to LASK Linz in the Champions League Play Off Celtic are now on an unwelcome run of four successive defeats in European football.
Two goals midway through the second half from Javi Rodriguez exposed some familiar failings after Mika Baur opened the scoring in the 47th minute.
Celta brought on substitutes that gave their play an edge as their hosts attempted to hang onto the lead provided by Baur.
@CelticFC See on the 60th Anniversary of the Lisbon Lions and the club’s greatest triumph, any chance of actually winning a game in Europe?
Cheers ??
— gigicullen (@gigicullen0502) October 22, 2026
Martin O’Neill started with the same outfield players that had demolished Hearts on Sunday.
The eighth placed team in La Liga provided far sterner opposition.
Celta dominated possession for large parts of the match but were given few glimpses of goal during the first half.
When Rodriguez headed the 68th minute opener from a brilliantly delivered free kick the outcome of the match seemed inevitable.
CELTIC FALL SHORT IN EUROPE
In a fortnight’s time Celtic are at home to Besiktas who drew 2-2 tonight at home to Crystal Palace.
No-one inside Celtic will conceded anything but in October it looks like the main focus will be on domestic football.
While remaining dominant in Scottish football it is hard to conclude that Celtic are rapidly drifting down the ratings in Europe.
Two years ago they collected 12 Champions League points on route to a Play Off defeat to Bayern Munich.
Last season in the Europa League they reached the Play Off with 11 points.
From the remaining five fixtures it is hard to see O’Neill’s side reaching double figures unless something dramatic changes.
Next up for Celtic is Hibs on Saturday with Jota and Shim Mheuka coming into contention after missing out tonight.
CONFERENCE LEAGUE IS OUR LEVEL ON THE CONTINENT…
We are The Havent & Waterlooville of Europe these days !